LOS ANGELES -- Few players on the Los Angeles Kings roster can dominate hockey games when they're hot like Adrian Kempe can.
When he gets going the 28-year-old Swede can take over games with his size, speed and finishing ability. With four goals (one empty netter) and six points in his last five games, Kempe appears to be entering one of the hot streaks that Kings fans have become accustomed to.
When he plays this well, he oozes a confidence you can see even from the press box. When he got a breakaway early in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings Saturday, there was no doubt the puck would end up in the back of the net and he finished emphatically.
It's about more than just goals for Kempe too, that aforementioned size and speed is a massive boost for the team all over the ice.
"Obviously, he's got really good speed," said Mikey Anderson on how a defenseman can play off Kempe's speed. "So whether it's him opening up space so we can skate a little bit, even if there's open ice and you know he's coming, he's loud where he lets you know he's there. It can help for him to get an entry and make a couple of plays. He's been great for us, obviously, he's Mr. do-it-all now, he plays a little defense for us too. He's big for us."
That usage at defense Anderson joked about is just another testament to how much this coaching staff trusts Kempe. Jim Hiller has utilized him at defense when chasing games before and used him at the point on the power play against Detroit on Saturday.
"A few things, you've seen me put him on defense, even at five-on-five," said Hiller when asked about Kempe at the point. "If you turn it over, somebody's got to be able to catch somebody. The other advantage is, Laf(erriere) there now, he gets a touch back he can one-time it too from that side. So you draw to Kevin and get it back from Laf for the one-timer. So, yeah, he's the most logical guy I think to play that spot."
Whether it's playing the point on the power play or his usual position on Anze Kopitar's wing, Kempe is one of the Kings' most important players and when catches fire he's a truly dominant player.
With seven goals and 16 points through 18 games, Kempe is on pace to once again be amongst the Kings' offensive leaders, and streaks like this make him one of the most exciting players for fans to watch.