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1999-2000 Stat Leaders Stat  Leader  No.  Goals  Luc Robitaille  36  Assists  Jozef Stumpel  41  Points  Luc Robitaille  74  +/-  Jozef Stumpel  23  Shots  Rob Blake  327  Ice Time (F)  Zigmund Palffy  19:38  Ice Time (D)  Rob Blake  28:29  Faceoff Pct.  Bob Corkum  55.27  Hits  Mattias Norstrom  261  PP Pts  Luc Robitaille  26     Rob Blake  26  SH Pts  10 tied at  1

When the Kings were shown a quick exit by the Red Wings in the playoffs, coach Andy Murray realized the obvious: L.A. just doesn't have enough horses to compete with the big boys.

There were encouraging signs, though. L.A. did match Detroit with six even-strength goals during the first-round series, but four of those came from the top line of Ziggy Palffy, Luc Robitaille and Jozef Stumpel. Lack of depth and atrocious special-teams play ultimately sealed the Kings' fate.

Murray did a commendable job getting the team into the playoffs with a rag-tag bunch that often relied on just two lines. Other than bringing in enforcer Stu Grimson and defenseman Mathieu Schneider, the Kings really aren't that much improved. They'll again count on Palffy, Robitaille and Stumpel to provide offensive punch. Murray's plight is whether he should break up that line and spread the scoring wealth.

In terms of expectations, the Kings can be better this year, although it will be difficult to match 94 points again in a strong division. Another stab at the playoffs is likely.

For more on the Kings, bookmark this page and check back Wednesday, Oct. 11 for a Sports Illustrated Scouting Report.

BRIGHT SPOTS		GRAY AREAS
Palffy, Robitaille and Stumpel accounted for 198 points last season. Goaltending tandem of Stephane Fiset (2.75 GAA, .901 save percentage) and Jamie Storr (2.53, .908) is adequate. Steve Passmore was added to push them. The Kings jumped from 69 points in '99 to 94 last season. They were just one of four teams in the Western Conference to perform better than .500 on the road (18-16-7).		Organization lost $5 million last year and $25 million over past two seasons. Will a nightmarish 0-for-23 on the power play in the playoffs carry over? The team will have its fingers crossed regarding captain Rob Blake. Since 1994-95 he's missed 122 of a possible 410 games. Losing tough defenseman Sean O'Donnell in the expansion draft will hurt.

Comings
Player	Pos.	From	Via
Eric Belanger	C	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Aki Berg	D	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Philippe Boucher	D	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Rich Brennan	D	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Brad Chartrand	RW	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Joe Corvo	D	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Marcel Cousineau	G	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Stu Grimson	LW	Anaheim	Free agent
Craig Johnson	LW	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Jere Karalahti	D	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Ian Laperriere	C	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Peter LeBoutillier	F	Anaheim	Free agent
Nate Miller	F	Minnesota (NCAA)	Free agent
Jason Podollan	C	Los Angeles	Re-signed
Mike Pudlick	D	St. Cloud (NCAA)	Free agent
Steve Reinprecht	C	Wisconsin (NCAA)	Free agent
Mathieu Schneider	D	Columbus	Free agent
Bryan Smolinski	C	Los Angeles	Re-signed

Goings
Player	Pos.	To	Via
Dan Bylsma	LW	Anaheim	Free agent
Dave MacIssac	D	San Jose	Free agent
Steve McKenna	LW	Minnesota	Expansion
Sean O'Donnell	D	Minnesota	Expansion

Prospect Watch
Alexey Volkov, G, 6'1", 185
Born: March 15, 1980 in Yekaterinburg, Russia
Acquired: 1998 draft, third round (No. 76 overall)
After shining in the World Junior Championships, Volkov caught the attention of many in the organization. He's a stand-up goalie with exceptional quickness and an outstanding glove hand.

Get the Highlighter
Fri., Oct. 6: Season opens on the road at Washington.
Tues., Oct. 17 at Nashville: Get ready to rack up the frequent flier miles. After the Predators, Kings play next eight of nine away from home.
Sat., Nov. 11 vs. Detroit: Wouldn't it be nice to pay back the Wings just a little? Teams split the series last year (2-2-1).
Sat., March 24 vs. Anaheim: In-state rivalry heats up against Ducks in final meeting of season.
Mon., March 26 vs. San Jose: Kings host Sharks, the other in-state rival, which could have playoff implications.

Quoteworthy
"I refuse to be outcoached -- and I refuse to let my players be outplayed."
--Murray on his desire to win

Team-by-team previews compiled by CNNSI.com's Ken Klavon, Jamie MacDonald and Jimmy Traina.

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