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The [[Pacific Coast Hockey League]] had many teams in the southern [[California]] area, and minor pro hockey found success there. However, the lack of a major arena in the area was the main claimed factor in the National Hockey League's decision before the Sixties to not expand to [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]].
The [[Pacific Coast Hockey League]] had many teams in the southern [[California]] area, and minor pro hockey found success there. However, the lack of a major arena in the area was the main claimed factor in the National Hockey League's decision before the Sixties to not expand to [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]].


When the PCHL threatened to turn itself into a major league and compete for the [[Stanley Cup]], the [[Canada|Canadian]] enterpreneur [[Jack Kent Cooke]] paid the NHL $2 million to form a new team in Los Angeles as part of the so-called "[[Expansion six]]," and on February 9, 1966, Cooke was awarded a new NHL franchise, behind his promise to build a new arena for his team.
When the PCHL threatened to turn itself into a major league and compete for the [[Stanley Cup]], the [[Canada|Canadian]] entrepreneur [[Jack Kent Cooke]] paid the NHL $2 million to form a new team in Los Angeles as part of the so-called "[[Expansion six]]," and on February 9, 1966, Cooke was awarded a new NHL franchise, behind his promise to build a new arena for his team.


The Kings opened the 1967-68 season, their first in the NHL, at the Long Beach arena on October 14, 1967, defeating the [[Philadelphia Flyers]], 4-2. For the next two months, the Kings played their home games at Long Beach and at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.
The Kings opened the 1967-68 season, their first in the NHL, at the Long Beach Arena on October 14, 1967, defeating the [[Philadelphia Flyers]], 4-2. For the next two months, the Kings played their home games at Long Beach and at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.


As for the new arena, Cooke stated that the new team would play in "the most beautiful arena in the world." True to his word, the first home of the Kings, the "Fabulous [[Great Western Forum|Forum]]" in [[Inglewood, California]], opened to rave reviews on December 30, 1967, even though the Kings were shutout by the Flyers, 2-0.
As for the new arena, Cooke stated that the new team would play in "the most beautiful arena in the world." True to his word, the first home of the Kings, the "Fabulous [[Great Western Forum|Forum]]" in [[Inglewood, California]], opened to rave reviews on December 30, 1967, even though the Kings were shutout by the Flyers, 2-0.
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In 1972, the Kings moved to bring some credibility back to the franchise when they hired former Kings' defenseman [[Bob Pulford]] as their head coach. It took him just two seasons to lead the Kings back into the playoffs (lost to the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] in five games), and he would eventually lead the team to five of the most successful seasons in franchise history.
In 1972, the Kings moved to bring some credibility back to the franchise when they hired former Kings' defenseman [[Bob Pulford]] as their head coach. It took him just two seasons to lead the Kings back into the playoffs (lost to the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] in five games), and he would eventually lead the team to five of the most successful seasons in franchise history.


Despite qualifying for post-season action in the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons (eliminated in the first round in both years), the Kings finally moved to substantially upgrade their offensive firepower when they acquired center [[Marcel Dionne]] on June 23, 1975 in a trade with the [[Detroit Red Wings]].
Despite qualifying for post-season action in the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons (eliminated in the first round in both years), the Kings finally moved to substantially upgrade their offensive firepower when they acquired center [[Marcel Dionne]] on June 23, 1975, in a trade with the [[Detroit Red Wings]].


Dionne, already a superstar in the NHL, had an immediate, resounding impact in the 1975-76 season, scoring 40 goals and adding 54 assists for 94 points in 80 regular season games. He lead the Kings to a 38-33-9 record (85 points), earning them a second place finish in the James Norris division.
Dionne, already a superstar in the NHL, had an immediate, resounding impact in the 1975-76 season, scoring 40 goals and adding 54 assists for 94 points in 80 regular season games. He lead the Kings to a 38-33-9 record (85 points), earning them a second place finish in the James Norris division.


Behind Dionne's offense, the stellar goaltending of [[Rogatien Vachon]] (better known as "Rogie"), and the speed and scoring of forward Butch Goring, the Kings swept the [[Atlanta Flames]] out of the first round of the playoffs, but were eliminated by [[Boston Bruins]] in the second round in seven games.
Behind Dionne's offensive prowess, the stellar goaltending of [[Rogatien Vachon]] (better known as "Rogie"), and the speed and scoring touch of forward Butch Goring, the Kings swept the [[Atlanta Flames]] out of the first round of the playoffs, but were eliminated in second round by [[Boston Bruins]] in seven games.


The Kings would beat the Flames and lose to the Bruins the following season as well.
The Kings would beat the Flames and lose to the Bruins the following season as well.


Three seasons later, the Kings had still not advanced past the second round of the playoffs. But on January 13, 1979, Dionne found himself on a new line with two young, mostly unknown players, second-year right wing [[Dave Taylor]], and left wing [[Charlie Simmer]], who had been a career minor-leaguer. But this line combination would go on to become one of the highest-scoring line combinations in the history of the NHL.
The Kings exited the playoffs in the first round every year thereafter until 1981-82, after they were relocated to the Smythe Divison. The 24-41-15 Kings upset the 48-17-15 [[Edmonton Oilers]] -- who were so dominant that they were the only winning team in the division -- three games to two, before losing to the [[Vancouver Canucks]]. The Kings didn't make the playoffs again until 1984-85, when the Oilers swept them in three games on their way to the [[Stanley Cup]].


After that first season that the "Triple Crown Line" played together, Dr. [[Jerry Buss]] purchased the Kings, the [[National Basketball Association]]'s [[Los Angeles Lakers]], and the Forum for $67.5 million, but the Triple Crown Line remained intact.
An aging Dionne was traded in the 1986-87 season, ending an era that saw him become the second leading scorer in NHL history, and the Oilers beat the Kings four games to one in 1986-87 playoffs. Playoff success continued to elude the Kings in the 1987-88 season, and by that time the team had yet in their history to win a best-of-seven playoff series or advance past the second round.

The next season, the Triple Crown Line dominated the NHL, 146 goals and 182 assists, good fore 328 points. In that 1979-80 season, Dionne won the [[Art Ross Trophy]] for winning the NHL scoring title that season with 137 points on 53 goals and 84 assists.

But even with the Triple Crown Line's ability to dominate, the Kings still could not get out of the first round of the playoffs until the 1981-82 season.

That year, the Kings opened the playoffs against the [[Edmonton Oilers]], who were led by a young, but fast-rising star by the name of [[Wayne Gretzky]].

Gretzky was only in his third year in the league, but he dominated the NHL like no other had before from the moment he stepped onto NHL ice in his rookie season. And by the 1981-82 season, he was already the most dominant player in the league, and he made the Oilers one of the elite teams in the NHL, on their way to winning four [[Stanley Cup]] championships in the 1980's.

Given that background, what happened in Game 3 of the Kings' first-round playoff matchup against the vaunted Oilers was truly unbelievable.

In that game, played on April 10, 1982, Gretzky led the Oilers to a commanding 5-0 lead after two periods, and had the game locked up. But the Kings did not give up. They scored five unanswered goals in the third period to tie the game, and then Kings' forward Daryl Evans scored at 2:36 of overtime to win it for the Kings, 6-5.

The "Miracle on Manchester," arguably one of the greatest comebacks in NHL playoff history, is the greatest moment in Kings' franchise history to date. And not only did the Kings complete a miraculous comeback against the mighty Oilers, but they also went on to eliminate the Oilers in five games.

Despite Dionne's leadership, the Kings missed the playoffs the next two seasons, and were quickly swept out of the playoffs by the Oilers in the 1984-85 season, when the Oilers won their second straight Stanley Cup championship.

Dionne's time with the Kings ended on March 10, 1987, when he was traded to the New York Rangers. But by this time, the Kings had new skaters to help lead them into the next decade, including star forwards Bernie Nicholls, Jimmy Carson, [[Luc Robitaille]], and defensemen Steve Duchesne and eventual Hall-of-Famer Larry Murphy.

The Kings continued to be bounced out of the first round of the playoffs until the 1988-89 season, a season that would be a big turning point for the franchise.


*{{Book reference | Author=Los Angeles Kings Communications Department | Title=2003-04 Los Angeles Kings Media Guide | Publisher=Los Angeles Kings | Year=2003 | ID=ISBN }}
*{{Book reference | Author=Los Angeles Kings Communications Department | Title=2003-04 Los Angeles Kings Media Guide | Publisher=Los Angeles Kings | Year=2003 | ID=ISBN }}

Revision as of 23:04, 15 July 2005

Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
Founded 1967
Home ice Staples Center
Based in Los Angeles
Colours Purple, black, silver
League National Hockey League
Head coach Andy Murray
General manager Dave Taylor
Owners Philip F. Anschutz and Edward P. Roski, Jr.

The Los Angeles Kings are a National Hockey League team based in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Founded: 1967
Arena: Staples Center
Uniform colors: Purple, black, and silver
Logo design: A silver crown outlined in purple
Stanley Cups won:

Franchise history

The Pacific Coast Hockey League had many teams in the southern California area, and minor pro hockey found success there. However, the lack of a major arena in the area was the main claimed factor in the National Hockey League's decision before the Sixties to not expand to Los Angeles.

When the PCHL threatened to turn itself into a major league and compete for the Stanley Cup, the Canadian entrepreneur Jack Kent Cooke paid the NHL $2 million to form a new team in Los Angeles as part of the so-called "Expansion six," and on February 9, 1966, Cooke was awarded a new NHL franchise, behind his promise to build a new arena for his team.

The Kings opened the 1967-68 season, their first in the NHL, at the Long Beach Arena on October 14, 1967, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-2. For the next two months, the Kings played their home games at Long Beach and at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

As for the new arena, Cooke stated that the new team would play in "the most beautiful arena in the world." True to his word, the first home of the Kings, the "Fabulous Forum" in Inglewood, California, opened to rave reviews on December 30, 1967, even though the Kings were shutout by the Flyers, 2-0.

The Kings made the Forum their home for the next 32 seasons. Players like Bill "Cowboy" Flett, Eddie "The Jet" Joyal, Eddie "The Entertainer" Shack, and Real "Frenchy" Lemieux helped introduce the Los Angeles area to the NHL in the team's first few seasons.

In their first season, the Kings finished a very respectable second place in the Western Division, just one point behind the Flyers, but would be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota North Stars in seven games.

In their second season behind head coach Red Kelly, the Kings would finish fourth in the Western Division. But after eliminating the Oakland Seals in the first round of the playoffs in seven games, the Kings were swept out of post-season play in the second round by the St. Louis Blues.

After two fairly successful seasons, the Kings hit hard times, mostly due to poor management, who would establish a history of trading away first-round draft picks, usually for veteran players, some of them NHL stars, on the downside of their careers.

In 1972, the Kings moved to bring some credibility back to the franchise when they hired former Kings' defenseman Bob Pulford as their head coach. It took him just two seasons to lead the Kings back into the playoffs (lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in five games), and he would eventually lead the team to five of the most successful seasons in franchise history.

Despite qualifying for post-season action in the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons (eliminated in the first round in both years), the Kings finally moved to substantially upgrade their offensive firepower when they acquired center Marcel Dionne on June 23, 1975, in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings.

Dionne, already a superstar in the NHL, had an immediate, resounding impact in the 1975-76 season, scoring 40 goals and adding 54 assists for 94 points in 80 regular season games. He lead the Kings to a 38-33-9 record (85 points), earning them a second place finish in the James Norris division.

Behind Dionne's offensive prowess, the stellar goaltending of Rogatien Vachon (better known as "Rogie"), and the speed and scoring touch of forward Butch Goring, the Kings swept the Atlanta Flames out of the first round of the playoffs, but were eliminated in second round by Boston Bruins in seven games.

The Kings would beat the Flames and lose to the Bruins the following season as well.

Three seasons later, the Kings had still not advanced past the second round of the playoffs. But on January 13, 1979, Dionne found himself on a new line with two young, mostly unknown players, second-year right wing Dave Taylor, and left wing Charlie Simmer, who had been a career minor-leaguer. But this line combination would go on to become one of the highest-scoring line combinations in the history of the NHL.

After that first season that the "Triple Crown Line" played together, Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Kings, the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Lakers, and the Forum for $67.5 million, but the Triple Crown Line remained intact.

The next season, the Triple Crown Line dominated the NHL, 146 goals and 182 assists, good fore 328 points. In that 1979-80 season, Dionne won the Art Ross Trophy for winning the NHL scoring title that season with 137 points on 53 goals and 84 assists.

But even with the Triple Crown Line's ability to dominate, the Kings still could not get out of the first round of the playoffs until the 1981-82 season.

That year, the Kings opened the playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers, who were led by a young, but fast-rising star by the name of Wayne Gretzky.

Gretzky was only in his third year in the league, but he dominated the NHL like no other had before from the moment he stepped onto NHL ice in his rookie season. And by the 1981-82 season, he was already the most dominant player in the league, and he made the Oilers one of the elite teams in the NHL, on their way to winning four Stanley Cup championships in the 1980's.

Given that background, what happened in Game 3 of the Kings' first-round playoff matchup against the vaunted Oilers was truly unbelievable.

In that game, played on April 10, 1982, Gretzky led the Oilers to a commanding 5-0 lead after two periods, and had the game locked up. But the Kings did not give up. They scored five unanswered goals in the third period to tie the game, and then Kings' forward Daryl Evans scored at 2:36 of overtime to win it for the Kings, 6-5.

The "Miracle on Manchester," arguably one of the greatest comebacks in NHL playoff history, is the greatest moment in Kings' franchise history to date. And not only did the Kings complete a miraculous comeback against the mighty Oilers, but they also went on to eliminate the Oilers in five games.

Despite Dionne's leadership, the Kings missed the playoffs the next two seasons, and were quickly swept out of the playoffs by the Oilers in the 1984-85 season, when the Oilers won their second straight Stanley Cup championship.

Dionne's time with the Kings ended on March 10, 1987, when he was traded to the New York Rangers. But by this time, the Kings had new skaters to help lead them into the next decade, including star forwards Bernie Nicholls, Jimmy Carson, Luc Robitaille, and defensemen Steve Duchesne and eventual Hall-of-Famer Larry Murphy.

The Kings continued to be bounced out of the first round of the playoffs until the 1988-89 season, a season that would be a big turning point for the franchise.

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Black and Silver Era

File:KingsSilver Logo.gif
LA Kings logo from 1988-96.

Bruce McNall who had bought the team in 1987, would turn the Kings from perennial failures into Cup contenders on August 9, 1988 when he acquired Wayne Gretzky in exchange for for $15 million, Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, several first-round draft choices. The Los Angeles Kings would debut a black and silver uniform modelled on the Los Angeles Raiders. The Kings had the league's top offense and finished fourth in the league in 1988-89, while Gretzky won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP for turning the team around with his team record 168 points. They would overcome a 3-1 series deficit to the Oilers in the team's first best-of-seven playoff victory. The Kings were swept by the Flames in round two. The Kings beat the Flames and were swept by the Oilers the following season's playoffs, and were eliminated by Edmonton in 1990-91, and 1991-92 as well.

In 1992-93, the Kings advanced past the second round for the first time in club history. After the Toronto Maple Leafs surged to a 3-2 series lead, Gretzky scored an overtime goal to win Game 6 and had a hat trick in Game 7 to lead the Kings to their first Stanley Cup Finals.

File:LAKings1993celebration.jpg
The 92-93 Kings celebrate with the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl

In the Finals, the Montreal Canadiens beat the Kings three times in overtime and set a playoff record for most playoff wins. Gretzky finished the playoffs with an astounding 40 points, easily a team record. Both teams missed the playoffs the following year, and the Kings would not contend for a playoff spot for the next three seasons. The Kings would trade Gretzky to the St. Louis Blues for Roman Vopat, Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif and two first round draft picks.

Recent Years

Since the Gretzky trade, the Kings have only won a single playoff series (in 2001, against the Detroit Red Wings).

Players of Note

Hall of Famers:

Current stars:

Not to be forgotten:

Retired Numbers:

Team Records

  • Goals, Single Season: Bernie Nicholls, 1988-89: 70
  • Assists, Single Season: Wayne Gretzky, 1990-91: 122
  • Points, Single Season: Wayne Gretzky, 1988-89: 168
  • Penalty Minutes, Single Season: Marty McSorley, 1992-93: 399 (Dave Schulz had 405 PIM in 77-78, but split the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.)
  • Games, Career: Dave Taylor, 1111
  • Goals, Career: Marcel Dionne, 550
  • Assists, Career: Dionne, 757
  • Points, Career: Dionne, 1307
  • Penalty Minutes, Career: McSorley, 1846
  • Goaltending Games, Career: Rogatien Vachon, 389
  • Goaltending Wins, Career: Vachon, 151
  • Shutouts, Career: Vachon, 32

Los Angeles Kings official web site

USA Today's Franchise History

Team Website

Kingshockey.com-Fan Site/Team News

allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special%3ADiff%2F18922782