Devils try to get back in series; Doughty’s rise; oral history of ’93 Kings (Playoff Puck Previews)

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: New Jersey Devils at Los Angeles Kings, 8 p.m. ET. (Kings lead series 2-0). The Devils attempt to get back into the series in Game 3 as things shift to Staples Center. According to the NHL, since the best-of-7 playoff format was introduced in 1987, no team has ever started all four playoff rounds by winning the first three games. The Kings would have one hand on the Stanley Cup should they set that record tonight. Simon Gagne will reportedly be back in the lineup for the Kings for the first time since Dec. 26. New Jersey's lineup will remain the same as they leave the Eastern Time Zone for the first time since Jan. 14. Wayne Gretzky is expected to be at the game and drop the ceremonial puck.

Evening reading

• Nick Cotsonika on Drew Doughty's rise in the postseason. [Y!]

• An oral history of the 1993 Kings with input from the likes of Barry Melrose, Tony Granato and Bruce McNall. [ESPN Los Angeles]

• These Los Angeles Kings more dominant than the great Edmonton Oilers teams of the 1980s? [Sportsnet]

• Finally, here's an old school brawl between the Devils and Kings started by Kirk Muller and Steve Duchene:

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: From "GT":

He's closing in on the superstardom that Anje Kopidor currently enjoys.

Bold prediction: Devils get back in the series with a 2-1 win of their own.