Lucic pumps Doughty's tires after win over Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the league's more polarizing teams, and as such, provide opponents with a little added attention. So Milan Lucic, understanding of both left and right biases, used the platform to do his best campaigning.
The Los Angeles Kings winger, who scored twice in the matinee win over the Penguins, touted workhorse defenseman Drew Doughty for, in his mind, unheralded contributions.
"He could easily be a Norris Trophy winner right now," Lucic said, "if he wasn't playing at 10:30 most nights in the Eastern Time Zone."
Doughty scored and added an assist in the contest, but unlike most Norris Trophy contenders, his overall offensive production (four goals and 11 assists) isn't the source of his brilliance.
He's an all-situations, all-the-time contributor, taking nearly a half hour per night. And, so far this season, more reps on the penalty kill than he does on the power play.
It's a formula that works for the rejuvenated Kings, but doesn't necessarily translate well to individual honors.
Coasts notwithstanding.