NHL Los Angeles Kings

Marian Gaborik’s Stellar Play, Health Are Positives For Los Angeles Kings

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By @powerplaywithcj

Getty Images

Getty Images

The Los Angeles Kings have been playing better than they have at any point in the season with their recent 3-1-1 stretch that has seen them gain ground in the Western Conference playoff picture. While it’s against the team’s philosophy to point to any one player for the team’s run as of late, it’d be remiss not to give winger Marian Gaborik credit for the team’s recent surge.

In those five games, Gaborik has recorded nine points and is looking more and more like the player the team signed to a seven-year, $34 million contact this summer. While Gaborik has struggled a bit with injuries this season — which is par for the course for him — he’s been an integral part of the team’s attack. Gaborik’s speed and skill offer a stark contrast to the team’s predominantly gritty lineup, which is why his stellar play has been integral to the team’s turnaround.

It’s no coincidence that first-line center Anze Kopitar is also playing his best hockey of the season as of late, as the chemistry the two showed in last year’s postseason has re-emerged. Again, while the Kings’ success stems from everyone in the lineup contributing and bringing their respective skill sets to the table, the way the top line is clicking lately would surely be something the team would like to see going forward.

Gaborik has never had any issues of skill or talent throughout his career, as he’s been one of the most electrifying players in the NHL since his debut in 2000 with the Minnesota Wild. He has, however, had issues of health, as he has earned the dreaded “injury prone” label with his health woes over the years. If he can stay healthy, there is absolutely no reason the Kings cannot be one of the West’s elite teams.

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