Drew Doughty's Top 10 Moments As A Member Of The LA Kings

When Drew Doughty steps on the ice later today against the New York Islanders he will have reached one of the most decorated milestones in the NHL; playing 1,000 games. Also, ironically he will also be completing the hat trick of having extremely fond memories against the three tri-state area NHL teams having one a Stanley Cup against both the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. Doughty, who has been a staple on the Kings blue line for the past 14 seasons is set to join teammate Anze Kopitar as one of just 12 players in NHL history to skate at least 1,000 games with one franchise and miss fewer than 40 games from his 1st to 1,000th game. The two-time Stanley Cup champion, Norris Trophy winner and accolade-filled defenseman has had plenty of celebratory moments with the LA Kings. Today, we look back at the Top 10 moments of Drew Doughty's career in a Kings uniform.

10. Doughty Goes Between the Legs and Scores On Henrik Lundqvist in Stanley Cup Finals

In route to their second Stanley Cup in 2014, Doughty helped out the Kings with this highly skilled high-pressure beauty of a goal in Game 1. Doughty's goal would even the game at two a piece, as the Kings would go on to win the game 3-2 in overtime win and win the series 4-1.
Watch: Youtube Video

9. Doughty Holding NHL Record For All-Time Time On Ice Average

With time on ice (TOI) records beginning in 1997-98 season, Doughty holds the all-time NHL record for time on ice average, averaging 26:14 per game. He ranks first among skaters who have played over 1,000, holding the top spot by 1:16 over Dallas Stars defenseman Ryan Suter, who averages 24:58 TOI. Among all players in NHL history, Doughty leads by 46 seconds over current San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson.

8. Kings Draft Drew Doughty with Second Overall Pick

On June 20th, 2008, the Kings drafted a young London, Ontario, Canada native from the Guelph Storm with the second overall selection. His name was Drew Doughty. Coming out of Guelph having recorded 157 points (39-118=157) in three seasons, along with being the top defenseman in the 2008 World Junior Championships, Doughty had been described as "a player who can take over a game, and often does. One shift he'll start the offense with a breakout pass, the next he jumps into the rush." Thankfully, Doughty came as advertised.

7. Doughty Records His 500th Point

It may be just one point in his career, but boy was it a monumental one. On March 7th, 2020, Doughty recorded his 500th career point during a 7-3 win over the Minnesota Wild on an assist from a Dustin Brown goal. With that assist, Doughty became the first and only Kings defenseman in franchise history to score all 500 points with LA.

6. Doughty Named To Five All-Star Games, Represents Kings in 2017 ASG at Staples Center

The man of many accolades has been selected to a handful midseason classic appearances, including representing his hometown team Kings at the 2017 All-Star Game here in Los Angeles.

5. Doughty Named First-Team Year End All-Star (Twice)

Outside of the Kings two Stanley Cup years, Drew Doughty has also celebrated two First-Team year end All-Star selections. Doughty was selected to the First-Team for the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons. During 15'-16', Doughty recorded 51 points (14-37=51) and was a +24 plus/minus in 82 games. In 17'-18' season, Doughty set a career high in assists (50) and points (60) with a +23 plus/minus rating. Doughty has also been recognized as a Second-Team year end All-Star twice in his career (2009-10, 2014-15).

4. Doughty Wins Norris Trophy

After putting together a 51 point (14-37=51) season and leading the Kings to the second seed in the Pacific Division, Drew Doughty was awarded the Norris Trophy, given to the best defenseman in the NHL. Doughty's 51-point season was his second highest point total of his career at the time. Doughty ranked third in the NHL in time on ice (TOI), averaging 28:01 minutes per game and ranked fifth in plus/minus with a +24 rating. Doughty became the second defenseman from the Kings to win the Norris Trophy, joining 2014 Hall of Fame inductee and current General Manager Rob Blake.

3. Doughty Named To NHL All-Decade First Team (2010's)

From 2010-2019, Doughty, the two-time Stanley Cup winner was named as one of the top two defenseman in the NHL alongside three-time Stanley Cup champion Duncan Keith. During the decade, Doughty was seventh among NHL defensemen in points with 439 (101-338=439) in 772 games and second at the position in total ice time in the decade (20,571:15) behind Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild (20,651:36).
Watch: Youtube Video

2. Doughty and Kings Win 2013-14 Stanley Cup

Going up against the New York Rangers, the Kings defeated the blue shirts in five games, winning 3-2 in double overtime off of a historical Alec Martinez rebound goal and even more historical goal call from broadcasting Hall of Famer Bob Miller! Doughty led all defensemen and ranked sixth among all skaters in scoring (5-13=18) in the playoffs.

1. Doughty and Kings Win First Stanley Cup in Franchise History (2011-12)

In dominant fashion, Doughty and the eighth seeded Kings hoisted the Stanley Cup, losing just four games in the whole postseason. Doughty ranked fifth overall in postseason points and led all defenseman with 16 points (4-12=16) while leading the team in time on ice, averaging 26:08 over 20 games. The Kings defeated the New Jersey Devils in six games, winning 6-1 on home ice for their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Doughty also led the Kings in scoring in the Stanley Cup Finals with six points (2-4=6) in six games.

Congratulations Drew! Cheers on the accomplishment of 1,000 games played and here's to the next thousand.