This is the Los Angeles Kings team I was talking about! The one I predicted would battle their way into the playoffs.

The Kings, in my opinion are one piece away from being that playoff team I predicted. That piece was there last night in net..... goaltender Jason LaBarbera. LaBarbera made 26 saves last night to shut down the Vancouver Canucks and help his Kings to a 4-2 win on the road. If LaBarbera can continue to play like he did last night, the Kings should be in great shape.

The Kings offense is explosive right now. Center Michael Cammalleri scored his league leading 8th goal during the second period which was part of a three goal outburst in little over 5 minutes. His goal was bookended by scores from Alexander Frolov, and defenseman Jack Johnson (the first of his career). Cammalleri's goal was setup by sophomore Anze Kopitar who is also poised to have a great season (at least my fantasy roster is banking on that).

Quick Shave:
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Pascal Leclaire recorded his third shutout of the season last night stopping all 21 shots the Buffalo Sabres fired at him. Leclaire's play in net, and goals from Rick Nash and Michael Peca helped the Jackets to the 3-0 shutout win. The Pittsburgh Penguins are starting to look like themselves again, after a slow start. The Pens defeated the new and improved Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in the shootout last night on a winning goal by Sidney Crosby. The Chicago Blackhawks young guns are lighting it up. Rookie Patrick Kane recorded his first NHL goal and added two assists to help the Hawks defeat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3. Hawks rookie Jonathan Toews picked up his second of the season in the win.

Game of the Night:
Carolina at Philadelphia 7:00

I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I'm really enjoying the Philadelphia Flyers play this season. They look sharp thus far, and tonight's game is another bench test to determine if they are for real, or just off to a lucky fast start, against a Carolina Hurricanes team which has a huge chip on it's shoulder after last season's dissapointment. Breath. Enjoy the games!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh