Allison

Like an NBA team that plays at Staples Center, the Kings have a big center and a world-class sidekick. The big man is 6-foot-4 pivot Jason Allison, who led the team in scoring (74 points). The sidekick is right wing Ziggy Palffy. Unlike the Lakers, though, the Kings haven't gotten to the next level. Maybe coach Andy Murray should consult Phil Jackson. Or, just avoid the Avs, who've eliminated them the past two seasons.

	The Big Question
	Q: More than just one-line wonders? That's a tough one! If Bryan Smolinski, who's in a contract year, can regain the form that made him a 27 goal-scorer just two seasons ago, the Kings will have a chance to be more than a one-line team. In 2001-02, Smolinski finished with 13 goals. And, he scored just two empty-netters in his last 40 games. Ouch! They also need to get more production from Steve Heinze, who chipped in just 15 goals last season. Ironically, he also tallied 27 goals just two years ago. If those two veterans don't contribute more offense, the top line of Jason Allison, Ziggy Palffy and Adam Deadmarsh will be checked into the ice by competent teams. -- E.J. Hradek
	Good: After surprising just about everyone with 32 assists in his rookie season, Lubomir Visnovsky slipped to four goals and 17 assists in 72 games last season. But with the loss of Philippe Boucher, Visnovsky will need to play more minutes and take a larger role in the offense. Bad: While Visnovsky stands to benefit from Boucher's departure, there's no doubt the team's overall defensive depth suffers. Goalie Felix Potvin turned in decent fantasy numbers last season, but he's likely to face more shots this season. -- Eric Karabell
	Top Prospect
	Mike Cammalleri, C Drafted 49th overall by the Kings in 2001, Cammalleri is a smallish centerman with excellent skills who was known for scoring video highlight goals at Michigan.
	Minors Outlook
	Manchester Monarchs Manchester has some room to improve upon its smashing debut of last season, which included an early playoff exit. The Monarchs have lost the temporary shot of adrenaline given by Ted Donato, but may get perennial AHL All-Star Derek Armstrong, who is back from Europe. -- Bill Ballou

Forwards The Kings' top line of center Jason Allison, right wing Ziggy Palffy and left wing Adam Deadmarsh stands among today's hockey royalty. This trio, when healthy (which isn't all the time due to Palffy's back and Deadmarsh's roughhouse style), can take control of a game. The 6-foot-4 Allison continues to confound his critics by putting up more than a point per game. Meanwhile, Palffy and Deadmarsh provide the speed, skill and toughness on the wing. Still, if the Kings wanted to be crowned at season's end, they'll have to get a considerable contribution from their second line. In other words, Bryan Smolinski must do better than 13 goals and 38 points. Improving Eric Belanger and Steve Heinze should be able to help carry the scoring load. After that, coach Andy Murray would love to get contributions from rookies Alexander Frolov and Mike Cammalleri. Of course, depending on freshmen can be a risky proposition in the NHL. Western Conference Position Ranking: 8th Defensemen The best defenseman you don't know is Mattias Norstrom. The Kings' captain leads a no-name defense that's a nice combination of skill and grit. You'll usually find Norstrom matched up against an opponents' toughest forward. And, more often than not, Norstrom wins those battles. Experienced Aaron Miller (who's out till November) and Mathieu Schneider also log a lot of quality minutes. Jaroslav Modry, Lubomir Visnovsky and Andreas Lilja round out a group that will miss departed free agent Philippe Boucher. Western Conference Position Ranking: 5th Goalie Felix Potvin has done a nice job since arriving in L.A. in February 2001. But, at some point, general manager Dave Taylor is going to have to decide whether or not "The Cat" can take the Kings to the next level. You get the feeling that opponents don't quiver in their skates when they hear his name. A classic butterfly goalie, Potvin sometimes gives the shooter a little too much net. Behind Potvin, 1994 No. 1 pick Jamie Storr is a quality backup. But, at this point, nothing more. Western Conference Position Ranking: T5th

Rankings: 6th Overall
Forwards | Defensemen | Goalies

RECORD: 40-27-11-4, 95 points Rank: T10th overall T6th West T2nd Pacific Playoffs: Lost to COL in first round Home: 22-12-6-1 Road: 18-15-5-3 2001-02 results 2001-02 statistics 2002-03 schedule 2002-03 roster OFFENSE DEFENSE GOALS FOR/AVG. Overall: 214/2.61 (16th) Home: 103/2.51 (21st) Road: 111/2.71 (9th) POWER PLAY Overall: 20.7/73-353 (1st) Home: 24.4/41-168 (1st) Road: 17.3/32-185 (10th) GOALS AGAINST/AVG. Overall: 190/2.32 (6th) Home: 79/1.93 (1st) Road: 111/2.71 (15th) PENALTY KILL Overall: 86.6/49-366 (3rd) Home: 86.9/23-176 (8th) Road: 86.3/26-190 (4th) STATS LEADERS GOALS Ziggy Palffy (31) Adam Deadmarsh (29) Jason Allison (19) ASSISTS Allison (54) Jaroslav Modry (38) Deadmarsh (33) POINTS Allison (73) Deadmarsh (62) Palffy (58) PENALTY MINUTES Ian Laperriere (125) Kelly Buchberger (105)* Philippe Boucher (90)* PLUS/MINUS Craig Johnson (+14) Aaron Miller (+14) Deadmarsh (+8) GAA (MIN. 20 GP) Felix Potvin (2.03) SAVE PERCENTAGE Potvin (.907) * - no longer with team