1.   But in routing the Stars, the Kings hope they saw a glimpse of the future in Jaroslav Modry and Aki Berg.

2.   But the Kings are hoping Potvin can regain the form that made him the third-winningest goaltender in Toronto Maple Leafs history.

3.   By teaming him with Gretzky, the Kings hope Stevens will rediscover the scoring touch he showed when he played with Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr in Pittsburgh.

4.   Detroit is a veteran team and the Kings were hoping to bring an aggressive style to the series.

5.   He is coming off solid play for Canada in the World Championships and is in good health, so the Kings hope he finally has that Norris Trophy season.

6.   Heading into a three-game trip that begins Saturday night against the Blues in St. Louis, the Kings were hoping to get a little momentum.

7.   Jamie Storr is expected to start in goal at Phoenix, and the Kings are hoping Fiset can play at home the next night against Philadelphia.

8.   Nor can the new king hope to exert anything like the influence his father had on the world stage.

9.   Now, the Kings are hoping he can be back Saturday when they play host to Colorado at Staples Center.

10.   Now, the Kings are hoping he can carry the momentum of last season into this year.