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5 Forwards Who Need To Step Up For Los Angeles Kings In 2015

5 Forwards Who Need To Step Up For Los Angeles Kings In 2015

Mike Richards
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

As the year 2014 ends and the Los Angeles Kings look to defend their Stanley Cup in 2015, the team is looking for more productivity from some of its most notable forwards. If these players can get past their early-season struggles, the Kings’ goal of repeating as Stanley Cup champs would become just a little bit easier.

5. Marian Gaborik

Los Angeles Kings v Edmonton Oilers
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5. Marian Gaborik

Los Angeles Kings v Edmonton Oilers
Getty Images

Gaborik has played some great hockey when he’s been healthy, but health has been somewhat of an issue this season like many other times in his career. If Gaborik is 100 percent down the stretch and going into the playoffs, the Kings’ attack would get an added dimension of dynamic skill.

4. Anze Kopitar

Jonathan Toews Anze Kopitar Chicago Blackhawks
Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

4. Anze Kopitar

Jonathan Toews Anze Kopitar Chicago Blackhawks
Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

After posting eight points in two games, it’s safe to say Kopitar has stepped up, but the team will need more of this and less of the Kopitar who had 15 points in the team’s first 30 games. Kopitar is one of the elite players in the game, and getting productivity out of him is a must for the team to be successful.

3. Tanner Pearson

Tanner Pearson
Dennis Wierzbicki- USA Today Sports

3. Tanner Pearson

Tanner Pearson
Dennis Wierzbicki- USA Today Sports

The rookie had a hot start to the season, but has been quiet offensively as of late as he has been moved throughout the lineup. A strong start to 2015 for the former Barrie Colt would certainly be beneficial to both him and the team in their quest to repeat.

2. Dustin Brown

Dustin Brown
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dustin Brown

Dustin Brown
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The team captain has an atrocious stat line as he has only registered 11 points on the season and has the worst plus/minus on the squad. The big hits are still coming, but the Kings will need more from the former U.S. Olympian if they wish to repeat as Stanley Cup champs.

1. Mike Richards

Mike Richards has a Chance at Another Historic Comeback
Kelley L. Cox-USA TODAY Sports

1. Mike Richards

Mike Richards has a Chance at Another Historic Comeback
Kelley L. Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Richards has been awful for the last calendar year or so, and it’s no secret the Kings are trying to move the center after holding on to him this offseason. If Richards does stick around down the stretch, the Kings will need a substantial increase in production from the veteran center.

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