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The prospect pool of the Los Angeles Kings saw varying amounts of playoff game time this year, but one of the more important points is that the majority of them did in fact see the postseason. Over twenty-five skaters for the Kings saw playoff action across multiple levels.

NHL

As the Kings enter the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they do so with the title of "defending champs" hanging over their heads. Taking place in the defense of that title is defenseman Jake Muzzin and forward Tyler Toffoli. In the first round against the St. Louis Blues, Muzzin in particular was focused on by the Blues heavy hitting and heavy forecheck game. While the young defenseman certainly showed signs of inexperience and nerves, he fought through and had a decent first introduction into NHL playoff hockey. While many might focus on the struggles of Muzzin during the series, St. Louis is one of the highest puck-pressuring teams in the league and some flubs and falters should have been expected of a rookie. His good play still shined through in moments like Game 5 where he had a key clearance play that led to Slava Voynov’s overtime winner in the penultimate game of the 4-2 series. Muzzin has proven coachable and responsible for most of the season, so his presence in the playoffs is likely going to continue as the King’s move on. AHL Rookie of the Year Tyler Toffoli has also seen some ice time in the postseason on the Kings' fourth line with Kyle Clifford and Colin Fraser. While they are not the most offensive linemates, Toffoli has still found space to showcase his wrist shot on a few occasions. While his time has been limited, he is a scoring threat and it would not be surprising to see him pot a goal or two as the playoffs roll on.

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Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown was suspended two games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for his second period hit on Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville on Tuesday night, as first reported in a tweet by the LA Times’ Lisa Dillman.

It was the first suspension assessed to Brown in the forward’s 641-game NHL career and the first suspension assessed to a Los Angeles player since Jarret Stoll received a one-game ban for a hit on San Jose’s Ian White during the Kings-Sharks playoff series in April, 2011.

Brown’s streak of 314 consecutive games played, which was closing on Anze Kopitar’s club record of 330 consecutive games, has come to an end.

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