Kings GM Dean Lombardi's contract extension is finalized

General Manager Dean Lombardi, who put together the Kings team that won the Stanley Cup last year, is rewarded with a new deal that runs through 2016-17 season.

Kings see some positives in lockout as they set out to defend Cup

Although labor dispute did cause a shortened season, it gave the Kings a chance to recover from celebrating their first championship. It also gave Jonathan Quick more time to recover from back surgery.

Kings center Anze Kopitar's recovery from knee sprain progresses

He takes contact Thursday but is unlikely to play against the Chicago Blackhawks in the opener Saturday at Staples Center.

Kings' Dean Lombardi remembers man who gave him start

Lombardi says he owes a lot to George Gund III, who put him in charge of the San Jose Sharks years ago. Gund died Tuesday at 75.

Ducks want to start this season the way they finished the last

After finishing strongly but missing the playoffs last year, the Ducks are hoping that Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry rebound from subpar seasons and Teemu Selanne continues to defy age.

Kings' ticket prices for season opener cause a bit of sticker shock

The team's prices started at about $155, but the game is sold out. The secondary market is reflecting the popularity of the reigning champions, with a range of $199 to $1,500 per seat seen.

Five questions about the NHL Western Conference

Kings fans, no team has repeated since 1998. Red Wings have some big holes to fill.

The Times' NHL Western Conference preview: Canucks picked to win it

Helene Elliott predicts the Kings to finish in the third spot, with the Ducks out of the playoffs again, in 12th.

Sheldon Souray and Bryan Allen beefing up Ducks' defense

The Anaheim team heads into its first game of the season Saturday in Vancouver with the veteran players, who add experience, size and strength.

Kings reveal that Willie Mitchell had knee surgery

Team says the defenseman had cartilage removed from the knee a couple of months ago and is trying to get up to speed. Anze Kopitar tests his injured knee after practice.

The Times' NHL Eastern Conference preview: Rangers are team to beat

The Rangers finished first in the conference last season despite struggling on offense. The addition of Rick Nash should help New York score more.

Young Emerson Etem looks to secure a spot with the Ducks

Forward, 20, is doing everything in his control to earn a job with the team and is getting positive reviews. Says Coach Bruce Boudreau: 'He looks like a man out there. ... I'm quite impressed with him.'

Dean Lombardi, Darryl Sutter to get long-term contract extensions from Kings

The general manager and coach will have their deals finalized before the Kings raise their Stanley Cup championship banner on Saturday, says Kings governor Tim Leiweke.

Los Angeles Kings return to the ice for short training camp

After a seven-month hiatus, the defending Stanley Cup champions hold an opening session to prepare for the lockout-shortened NHL season. The Kings host Chicago on Saturday at Staples Center.

Ducks have stars Getzlaf and Perry in their sights

The 27-year-olds, positioned together again on the first line at the team's practice Sunday, will become unrestricted free agents after this season if negotiations don't produce a deal.

Kings, Ducks ready for the short haul

The NHL's truncated season makes for an interesting schedule for the teams. Both open on Saturday.