Drew Doughty

In a showdown for purists only, Drew Doughty led L.A. to the title and emerged as the game's best defenseman. But next season he may not get to play

AN EASTERN CONFERENCE SCOUT SIZES UP

After a slow start, Drew Doughty and his L.A. teammates have found their groove

The Kings lead the Western Conference in part because defenseman Jack Johnson, the third pick in 2005, has stepped up in the absence of Drew Doughty, who missed six games recently with a concussion. Johnson has...

It used to happen about once a decade: a callow defenseman making the toughest position in the game look easy. But no longer. Never in the league's history have so many blueliners been so good so young