One year after winning the first Stanley Cup in franchise history, the Los Angeles Kings rebuked all talk that their season was a fluke by making it all the way to the Conference Finals where they lost to the eventual champion Chicago Blackhawks. With a devastating mix of veteran leadership and talented young stars, a punishing defense, big-time goal scorers and an elite young goalkeeper who’s at his best in the biggest games, the Los Angeles Kings are a threat to win it all again in 2013-14, and in the years to come. A Brief History Coming into the NHL in the first wave of expansion in 1967, the LA Kings were found by sports icon Jack Kent Cooke, who also owned the LA Lakers and built the Forum. Throughout franchise history, as would befit a star-driven town, the LA Kings have featured some of the biggest names in the game. Players like Marcel Dionne, Luc Robitaille and Rogie Vachon shone brightly in their eras and helped make LA a great hockey town. In one of the biggest transactions in the history of sports, the LA Kings traded for Wayne Gretzky prior to the 1988-89 season. In nearly 10 years as a member of the Kings, Gretzky led the team to new heights, taking them to their first Stanley Cup Finals and bringing legions of fans to the arena. In addition to Gretzky’s impact on the Kings, his popularity helped the league expand to Anaheim, Phoenix and beyond. The 2011-12 season was the dream season for the Los Angeles Kings. Heading into the playoffs as an eight-seed in the Western Conference, the Kings ran the table, losing just two games before entering the Stanley Cup Finals, where they eventually overcame the New Jersey Devils in six games. It was the first time in North American professional sports history that an 8th seeded team won a championship. Built to Last Following the Stanley Cup win, reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick signed a 10-year deal that keeps him in LA for the prime of his career. With Quick in goal, young stars like Dustin Brown and Tyler Toffoli on the rise and deep talent at all positions, the LA Kings are set up for success for the long term. If you’re not already a Kings fan, now would be an EXCELLENT time to become one. Hockey Night at Staples Will Have You Singing “I Love LA!” At the heart of revitalized downtown Los Angeles, Staples Center is part of the Vegas-like LA Live complex which also boasts top concert venue Nokia Center and the LA Convention Center. With the ESPN LA studios, hotels and some of the best restaurants, bars and clubs in the city, there’s all kind of stuff to do before and after a Kings game. Once you get inside Staples, you’re in one of the great sports arenas on the planet. With the “Forum Blue” (read: purple) seats, tons of banners and passionate fans, Staples is as good as it gets. While Southern California fans often get grief for showing up late, few cities support their beloved teams like Los Angeles. The Kings share Staples with the Lakers, Clippers and the biggest bands and shows in town. Get guaranteed savings on Kings tickets at ScoreBig.com.