Apology aside, NHL season to open with no clear gauge of favorites

The Kings won't have the usual 'Stanley Cup hangover,' but it is uncertain which teams will cope best with the reduced schedule.

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.

On the road with Lord Stanley's Cup

A collection of videos and photo galleries takes you on a worldwide tour with members of the Kings and the NHL championship trophy.

Timetable for Kings' opener Saturday

Fan Fest starts at 9:30 a.m. at Staples Center. Fans should be in their seats by 11:30 for unveiling of the Stanley Cup banner.

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.

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.

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.

Kings schedule

Drew Doughty ready to take the next step

The Kings' defenseman has won a Stanley Cup and he's capable of winning the Norris Trophy. His preparation is better for the short season.

Kings' Tim Leiweke is already thinking of another title run

Leiweke, the Kings' top executive, says the Stanley Cup championship banner will hang from the rafters at Staples Center, apart from the Lakers' banners on the wall. The reason? "So we have room to hang the others," he says.

Los Angeles Kings plan to be consistent with goalies

Coach Darryl Sutter says the Kings will not use a goalie rotation during the 48-game NHL season. Jonathan Quick is expected to get most of the work.

Darryl Sutter on the shortened NHL season

Sutter is the only current coach in the NHL who was a coach during the 48-game season of 1994-95. Sutter guided Chicago to the conference finals that season and says using a lot of players is key.

NHL governors OK labor deal, and Gary Bettman regrets the strife

Next, players' association will vote on what the commissioner says is 'a long-term agreement that's good for players and good for teams.'

Kings goalie Jonathan Quick ready for action on the ice

The goaltender — MVP during last year's Stanley Cup playoffs — has recovered from surgery last summer on a painful herniated disc. 'I feel great,' he says.

Kings eager for banner-raising season opener

NHL camps will open after tentative labor pact is ratified, but all points to Jan. 19 start. Anze Kopitar is unlikely to be ready; Jonathan Quick ought to be.

Kings, Ducks fans might be quick to forgive, if not forget

The Stanley Cup championship banner will be raised at Staples Center for the Kings, and Teemu Selanne might be skating his last season for the Ducks. But players know they need to win back fans.