The Los Angeles Kings have a rich history, and while the franchise has seen its share of ups and downs, certain eras stand out as particularly memorable. Among these, the late 1970s and early 1980s are fondly remembered for the "Triple Crown Line," a trio of players whose offensive prowess captivated fans and left an indelible mark on the team.
The seeds of the Triple Crown Line were sown in 1975 when the Kings acquired Marcel Dionne from the Detroit Red Wings. Dionne, a highly skilled center, immediately provided the Kings with an offensive spark. However, it wasn't until a few years later that the final pieces fell into place. In January 1979, coach Bob Berry promoted Charlie Simmer to the top line, pairing him with Dionne and Dave Taylor. This move created instant chemistry, with Simmer's size and net-front presence complementing Taylor's grit and Dionne's exceptional playmaking abilities.
The fit was seamless, and the results were spectacular. The Triple Crown Line quickly became one of the most productive trios in the NHL. In the 1979-80 season, they made NHL history as the first line where each player recorded at least 100 points. Dionne led the way with 58 goals and 130 points, followed by Taylor with 47 goals and 112 points, and Simmer with 56 goals and 105 points in only 65 games. The Kings'supercharged offense was a thrill to watch.
The 1980-81 season was arguably the peak of the Triple Crown Line. Together, they amassed a staggering 161 goals and 352 points. Their outstanding performance led to all three players, along with goaltender Mario Lessard, being selected for the 1981 NHL All-Star Game, which was held at the Kings' home arena, the Forum. A memorable moment occurred during the player introductions when the Triple Crown Line skated out together, much to the delight of the hometown fans. That year, the Kings also benefited from the addition of rookie defenseman Larry Murphy, who set an NHL record for points by a rookie defenseman with 76.
While the Kings experienced team success with the Triple Crown Line, their dominance didn't translate into a Stanley Cup victory. However, they did have some memorable playoff moments, including an upset victory over the Edmonton Oilers in 1982, a game famously known as the "Miracle on Manchester". Although the Kings' fortunes began to decline in subsequent seasons, with injuries and other factors affecting the line's performance, the legacy of the Triple Crown Line remained secure.
The Triple Crown Line's impact extended beyond the scoresheet. They brought excitement and attention to hockey in Los Angeles, a market that wasn't traditionally known as a hockey hotbed. They made the Kings relevant and gave fans a reason to cheer. For those who witnessed their brilliance, the names Marcel Dionne, Dave Taylor, and Charlie Simmer will forever be linked to a special time in Los Angeles Kings history.
