NHL Playoffs: Defenseman Drew Doughty Steps Up For L.A.

One of the greatest defenders to ever play in the National Hockey League retired a few days ago. Now that Nicklas Lidstrom has left the arena, it’s time for another to skate into the limelight. Drew Doughty has been playing in the post-season like he’s ready to be considered as the game’s next top blueliner.

The coast-to-coast goal he scored in Game 2 against New Jersey had some observers comparing the 6-foot-1, 200-pounder to another Ontarian, Bobby Orr (at the tender age of 20, Doughty was the second-youngest finalist for the Norris Trophy: only Orr was younger). Doughty himself thought the highlight-reel tally reminded him, ironically, of a Devils legend: Scott Niedermayer. Doughty will have to show over the next few years that he is truly worthy of such comparisons; for now, no doubt he’ll be happy with winning the Stanley Cup.

It hasn’t been an easy road for the 22-year-old. He held out in training camp for a bigger contract — eventually he would sign an eight-year, $56-million deal. It would mean a slow start for Doughty, with only seven points in the first 19 games — this after a 40-point season the year before.

That seems like a million years ago; now Doughty is paying off with two goals and 10 assists with a plus-13 in 16 playoff games, putting himself in the Conn Smythe Trophy conversation with teammates Anze Kopitar and Jonathan Quick. This comes on the heels of improved play under head coach Darryl Sutter, who replaced Terry Murray just before Christmas. Doughty credits Sutter’s presence and style with the upswing in his production, as well as a new attitude towards preparation and accountability.

It can only help Doughty that the defense contains stay-at-home players such as Willie Mitchell, Rob Scuderi and Matt Greene who can give him room to move and pinch up on the play. There are also up-and-comers in Slava Voynov and Alec Martinez who can put the puck in the net, but Doughty is the man who has the talent to play both ways effectively.

At this point, the Kings need to win only one game out of a possible four to reach the summit of hockey’s highest mountain; there remains almost no doubt that they can do it. They are a team which has assembled all the necessary elements and come together at exactly the right time to capture a championship, and have seized the imagination of a city more known for film glamor and sunny beaches. There shouldn’t be any questions anymore about Drew Doughty’s rise to to the pinnacle, either.