NHL Power Rankings: Eastern Conference Taking Control
By Colin Likas

No. 11: Los Angeles Kings
Previous: 24th
Season record: 10-9-1
Might seem a little high for the Kings, but they’re on a three-game win streak and proving they can succeed with a new captain and minus Jonathan Quick.
Peter Budaj is a journeyman goaltender, but he’s looking right at home in Los Angeles. His .915/2.11 slashline is pretty good, all things considered. And especially since the Kings looked pretty without an identity early in the Anze Kopitar as captain era.
Kopitar has been out due to injury and is among the Kings underproducing (paging Drew Doughty). When Nic Dowd is your fifth leading point earner, something has gone horribly wrong.
And yet, the team is still succeeding. Look out, when things do start to click (and when Quick gets healthy).