After previewing the Atlantic, Central, Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast, Puck Daddy turns its attention to the Pacific Division, starring the defending champion Los Angeles Kings and their royal subjects.

The Pacific was ruled by the Sharks for four years in a row until the Coyotes ended their streak last season with a 97-point campaign (the lowest point total for the division champion since San Jose's 99 in 2001-02). But it was the Kings who, thanks to a strong second half, grabbed the eighth spot and ran with it to their first title.

Dallas added some veterans. Anaheim has to decide what to do with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. Los Angeles returns virtually the same. Is the window still open for San Jose? Can Phoenix once again stay under the radar and "surprise" everyone again?

Los Angeles Kings

Last Year’s Record: 40-27-15 (95 points)

Coach: Darryl Sutter

Pre-Lockout Preview: “The lockout isn't helping many NHL teams, but it should help the Los Angeles Kings become fully rested and ready after their extended season. With nearly the entire team back, it's not difficult to imagine the Kings contending for the Cup again — and, potentially, playing for another one at the end of the season."

What’s Changed: Kevin Westgarth was dealt to Carolina for Anthony Stewart. Jarret Stoll's impressive list of catches added Erin Andrews. Anze Kopitar hurt his knee playing in Europe, but he'll OK. Willie Mitchell had surgery to remove cartilage in his knee and he'll miss some time.

Pivotal Player: Jon Quick. The Kings weren't the highest of scoring teams and were helped by Quick's career year to win games down the stretch. If they shoot blanks at any time, they know Quick's able to steal them some games.

Player That Benefits Most From 48-Game Season: Jeff Carter found his groove once his smile was recovered after being dealt to LA. He finished with 6 goals in 16 games after coming over from Columbus and 13 points during the playoffs. He'll excel in a full* season with the Kings.

Prediction: First. They won't have to worry about a short off-season causing a Cup hangover now. Coming back relatively unchanged from the team that was on the ice on June 11, they're in good shape to make a run at a repeat.

San Jose Sharks

Last Year’s Record: 43-29-10 (96 points)

Coach: Todd McLellan

Pre-Lockout Preview: “The Sharks haven't done enough to return to the upper echelon of the Western Conference. There isn't enough speed in their forward corps and teams have begun to figure out how to keep them out of the middle of the ice. But they're going to be better defensively and they're still a very talented team, and they're not mediocre enough to be playing for the final playoff spot on the season's final day again. A fourth to sixth-place finish awaits them.”

What’s Changed: Brent Burns lost a razor during the lockout. Jeremy Roenick's still not a fan of Patrick Marleau. Doug Murray is gettin' it done.

Pivotal Player: Antti Niemi has streaks of good and bad last season. He's had a heavy workload of 68 and 60 games the past two seasons. If McLellan lets Thomas Greiss see some ice time, the added rest could be a benefit for Niemi once the playoffs arrive.

Player That Benefits Most From 48-Game Season: Niemi, if McLellan doesn't strap him to the crease.

Prediction: Second. They still have the parts to be a dangerous team in the West. Can they keep the gas in the tank for a run?

Phoenix Coyotes

Last Year’s Record: 42-27-13 (97 points)

Coach: Dave Tippett

Pre-Lockout Preview: “The Coyotes will be the same team they were last season, more or less. Offensively non-threatening, defensive-minded as all Hell, heavily reliant on Mike Smith. It's a system with little margin for error, and last season they got some serious breaks. I just don't see them getting as many this year. They're still a playoff team, but another division title seems like a long shot. A seventh or eighth finish is far more likely.”

What’s Changed: Greg Jamison is a little closer to finalizing his purchase of the team. Matthew Lombardi was re-acquired. Raffi Torres did not get his suspension reduced, so he'll sit for the first 8 games.

Pivotal Player: In a word, Mike Smith was awesome last season. A worthy Vezina Trophy finalist working under the tutelage of Sean Burke, Smith dominated the second half of last season, including an undefeated February where he went 11-0.

Player That Benefits Most From 48-Game Season: Mikkel Boedker had a solid postseason and enters a contract year with much to prove. He tied a career high in goals with 11 last season, and with an incentive for a payday in the summer, can really build off last season.

Prediction: Third. Just when you want to doubt the Coyotes, they find a way to succeed. This season will be no exception.

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