Ready for hockey? Kings, Ducks and NHL Rankings

The Kings' Patrick O'Sullivan was at practice today and spoke about his absence from the first two weeks of training camp while contract talks dragged on.

The 23-year-old forward, who was the team’s fourth-leading scorer last season, signed a three-year deal this week and said he is looking forward to making up for lost time. He also hopes fans will understand.

"There’s always a misconception," O’Sullivan told Times staff writer Dan Arritt. "The first thing to do is think the player’s selfish or be mad about the agent."

Dan also offers up a preview for the Ducks, focusing on the new second line of Teemu Selanne-Brendan Morrison-Chris Kunitz. This trio could solve the scoring problems the team had last season.

Meanwhile, Hall of Fame hockey writer Helene Elliott offers season previews (Eastern conference and Western conference) with the warning, "Don't be surprised if..." She also ranks the teams from the East and the West as the NHL gets into full action. It probably is no surprise who she puts at No. 1 in the West (think red). But the East is a different matter unless you've been following the NHL very closely.

She also was out at the Ducks pactice today and offers up a notebook. Did you know the Jean-Sebastien Giguere is a retail businessman? By the morning she will be headed to San Jose, where she is covering the Ducks' season opener tomorrow night and then the Kings' season opener Saturday. Same city. Same Sharks. Sort of (if you read her preview).

-- Debbie Goffa

Photo: Patrick O'Sullivan has come through for the Kings. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times