Matt Greene makes return in Kings victory April 19, 2013

The defending Stanley Cup champions got a little stronger yesterday, just in time for another playoff run.  Matt Greene, who suffered a back injury that required surgery in the first game of the season, was activated from the injured reserve on Thursday.  In his debut, the 6’2, 232 lb defenseman registered five hits and two shots over 16:15 of ice time, as the Kings battled to a 2-1 win over Columbus.

A shutdown D with a mean streak, the Grand Ledge, Michigan native was a galvanizing force for the Kings in the 2012 Playoffs, leading the team in hits and chipping in with 2 goals and 4 assists.

His physicality (along with fellow defenseman Willie Mitchell’s) was sorely missed during the present campaign, prompting management to acquire Keaton Ellerby and Robyn Regehr via the trade.

With the return of Greene into the fold, The Kings defense looks to be as good or if not better than last year’s edition, putting them in fine position going into the playoffs.