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Sutter: Jeff Carter a ‘perfect role model’ for younger Kings forwards

Chicago Blackhawks v Los Angeles Kings - Game Three

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 24: Jeff Carter #77 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates with teammates after Carter scores a second period goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Three of the Western Conference Final during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on May 24, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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The L.A. Kings are loaded with depth, a fact we’ve all been once again reminded of during these Stanley Cup playoffs. They’re loaded with reliable players throughout their lineup, with four players in the top five right now in post-season scoring.

Jeff Carter, with nine goals and 23 points, is second in that category, behind teammate Anze Kopitar. His numbers have been impressive, but Kings head coach Darryl Sutter praised Carter for his leadership as well, a mentor to younger, up-and-coming players like Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson.

Sutter also compared the big center to his teammate Mike Richards, subject to buyout speculation even though the Kings are three wins away from a Stanley Cup championship. Together, Carter and Richards were also part of L.A.'s 2012 team that took the silver chalice in dominating fashion.

Carter’s production during the regular season was well below a point-per-game average - a mark he hasn’t matched or gone over since 2008-09 in Philadelphia. He’s had individual success in each of the previous two post-seasons, but has broken out in a big way in 2014. And it’s not over yet.

“I think he’s sort of like Mike, where they just win. You can count on them all the time,” Sutter told reporters.

“Really great practice player. Well-trained guy. Takes care of himself. It’s funny, when you ask about that for Toffoli and Pearson, that’s a perfect role model for them.”

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