A heartbreaking trade

When I was a Kings fan growing up, Butch Goring was my favorite player. He made up for his lack of size with hustle, especially on the penalty kill. As the NHL trade deadline approaches, NHL.com reminds me of the day the Kings traded him to the Islanders, pushing the Isles toward the first of four Cups and the Kings toward ... well nothing more than what they've usually given L.A. fans over 35 years: mediocrity.