5 Bold Predictions for the Los Angeles Kings in the New Year

The Los Angeles Kings started off 2015 on a positive note, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 3-2. They followed that up with a wild 7-6 loss to the Nashville Predators. 

Predicting a total of 13 goals between two of the more defensively sound teams in recent years would be a bold prediction, to say the least.

With that in mind, here are a few bold predictions for the Kings as the 2014-15 season nears the halfway point.

Drew Doughty Gets 60 Points

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Statistically, the best season of Drew Doughty's career was back in 2009-10, when he recorded 16 goals and 43 assists for 59 points. He hasn't topped 12 goals or 30 assists in the seasons since, despite rarely missing time. 

Doughty has 24 points in 40 games this season, putting him on pace for about 50 on the year. However, he has turned it on of late, as have many of the Kings' offensive stars. The defenseman has 11 points in his past 12 games. 

If he can build on this hot streak, topping his career-best point total is possible.

Mike Richards Steps Up

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The offensive woes of Mike Richards have been well documented in the past couple of years and have led to trade speculation. 

He's averaging less than 14 minutes per game in ice time this season and has five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 40 games. Don't expect Richards to suddenly start producing like he did in Philadelphia. Improvement in the faceoff dot and hitting the 40-point mark is possible, and it is likely a bold enough prediction for many fans. 

Richards has historically been solid in the faceoff circle, but he is winning fewer than 48 percent of his draws this season. More aggressive play offensively and better decision-making with the puck can help Richards produce more for L.A.

Derek Forbort Plays a Game

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It's unlikely, but it's possible. Look at the Winnipeg Jets. 

Derek Forbort was the Kings' first-round pick, 15th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft. He is now 22 years old and has yet to play a game in the NHL. A 6'4", 212-pound defensemen, Forbort plays a simple, effective game in defensive zone. He uses his size and strength to keep opposing forwards to the outside, out-muscle them along the boards and block shots. 

He isn't going to be the top-four defenseman some expected him to be a few years ago, but time in the NHL as soon as this year shouldn't be ruled out. All it takes is a few injuries and he may step into the lineup.

Tyler Toffoli Leads the Team in Scoring

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Jeff Carter and Anze Kopitar have come to life in recent weeks. After relatively long cold streaks, the pair has begun producing at a startling rate. 

However, Tyler Toffoli remains just three points back of the duo with 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points. Toffoli has had his share of struggles as well, but he's still a formidable offensive threat. He leads the NHL with four shorthanded goals.

If he can work his way back up the lineup and regularly play alongside more dynamic players, Toffoli should at least stay in the top four on the team's scoring list. More power-play time will also be key if he's to have a shot at leading the team in points after 82 games.

The Kings Win the Pacific

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Call it bold or call it near impossible. 

The Kings sit in a three-way tie with the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks for second in the Pacific Division. They are 11 points behind the Anaheim Ducks, who lead the NHL with 58 points as the halfway mark of the 2014-15 season nears. 

The Kings have seven fewer wins than Anaheim, but only three fewer regulation and overtime wins and they have a game in hand. It's a long shot at this point, but sweeping the Ducks in regulation the rest of the way could make an L.A. division title possible. 

Stats courtesy of NHL.com.