The Kings have passed the one-quarter mark of the NHL season as the leaders in the Pacific Division, an enviable spot at any time and an especially good place for a team that underwent significant changes last summer and needed time to recalibrate.
The Kings were 13-8-1 and had 27 points as they prepared to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday at Staples Center. The matchup featured the two teams that have alternated as Stanley Cup champions the last four seasons and a bonus attraction: Chicago right wing and NHL scoring leader Patrick Kane had an 18-game points streak, matching the all-time longest streak compiled by an American-born player.