The Los Angeles Kings are ready for the next step and several Quebecers will play an important role in their quest for a Stanley Cup.
The Kings, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers twice in a row in 2022 and 2023, have only one goal in mind, says club president Luc Robitaille.
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“We’re trying to win the Stanley Cup and that’s our goal,” he said in comments relayed by the website NHL.com. We will do everything we can to achieve this goal. We will make life as good as possible for our players and our entire organization. But there is no secret about it. That’s the goal and that’s what this team is built on.”
The California-based club is also trying to give itself every possible chance of lifting the ultimate grail, having signed center Pierre-Luc Dubois this summer. The team therefore has a three-headed monster at center, with two Quebecers in Dubois and Phillip Danault.
“I think we’re definitely going to have one of the best centers in the league,” said the team’s star defenseman Drew Doughty. I think it will make us a more intimidating team to play against and hopefully a better team.”
The 33-year-old full-back is also very positive about the Sainte-Agathe-des-Mont native’s arrival at the Laurentians.
“P.L [Pierre-Luc Dubois] “I’m a great player,” he continued. I’ve had a few fights with him over the years. It’s difficult to play against him when he’s motivated. He’s also a big guy with a lot of skill. I think it will be a perfect fit for us.”
Patience required
Danault, who was scheduled to control the Kings’ second line in the first game of the season against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night, advocates for more patience on the way to the ultimate goal.
“Once you get through the first round, you want to get through the second,” Danault said. I don’t think we should aim for anything specific. We climb, you know? It’s a mountain. We climb the mountain and are almost there.”
Now let’s see if the members of the City of Angels team walk the talk.