from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,

Just like we all thought would happen, right? For all the hand-wringing in Los Angeles this season -- especially by Kings management themselves -- it looks like the band is ready to take the stage at the normal hour.

The Kings edged a very good Tampa Bay Lightning team 3-2 on Tuesday night for their fifth consecutive win, and if you're the Vancouver Canucks (67 points), Calgary Flames (67 points) or San Jose Sharks (66 points), you'd better check your rearview mirror and take notice of the muscle car speeding toward you with a pair of Stanley Cup rings attached to the front bumper. The Kings are charging late in the season just like everyone has waited all season for them to do, and it's downright exciting to watch.

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