Conventional wisdom suggested the Kings might be in serious trouble after veteran defensemen Matt Greene (back surgery) and Willie Mitchell (knee surgery) were injured. After all, they were huge factors in the Kings’ run to the Stanley Cup championship last spring. Who would replace them? How would they measure up?

Drew Doughty, Keaton Ellerby, Jake Muzzin and Slava Voynov aren’t exactly grizzled veterans, but they have helped to solidify the Kings’ defense corps in the absence of Greene and Mitchell. They were superb again during the Kings’ 6-4 victory Tuesday night over the St. Louis Blues.

“I thought the four kids tonight were really, really good,” Kings coach Darryl Sutter said. “I thought Muzzin, Ellerby, Voynov and Drew were outstanding.”

Muzzin scored two goals and added an assist for a career-high three points. Voynov had a goal and Doughty added two assists.