As the Kings seem to be pointed toward a rare playoff appearance, more will be exposed to the King of the Hockey Telestrator. Over at GreatestHockeyLegends.com, author Joe Pelletier points out that during his playing days in L.A. (1980-'90), the reliable winger "saw the ice

very well." It's translated to his media gig. By the way, the Kings would probably be in the Western Conference finals if they were playing May 18 of this year. Which would be extra meaning to Fox, in his 20 th season in this position, since it falls on day he greets birthday No. 50.

Last year: No. 1

2. DON McLEAN (UCLA basketball TV/radio, FSW, Prime Ticket, 570-AM)

On his 40 th birthday, Donny Ballgame had to be on the broadcast of UCLA's 21-point loss to USC a couple of weeks ago at Pauley Pavilion. Sorry, dude.Last year: No. 3.

3. MARK GUBICZA (Angels TV, FSW, Ch. 13)

He was just finding a comfort zone with play-by-play partner Rory Markas - enough to where the Angels gave the team the full TV schedule for 2010. With Markas' recent passing, there remains some question as to whom Gubicza will be paired with. The learning curve continues. Last year: No. 2

4. STU LANTZ (Lakers TV, FSW/Ch. 9)

Go back to the scenario in the Lakers-Raptors game last Sunday, when the Lakers were up by one, Turkoglu drove the lane and drew a foul on Gasol with a couple seconds left. "I think it's a good call," Lantz said immediately as partner Joel Meyers groaned. "I think as he trailed the play, Pau got his hand on the back of Turkoglu." A couple replays later, he was shown to be right. "Good call by the refs," Stu concluded. And the Lakers lost. Lantz's absence for a road trip earlier this year was enough to make us realize - he's necessary.Last year: No. 5

5 (tie). PETROS PAPADAKIS (USC and UCLA football TV, FSN / Prime Ticket) and MATT STEVENS (UCLA football radio, 570-AM)

Remember when these two went nose-to-nose during USC-UCLA week? It's too easy to pair 'em together here, maybe as a reminder that they can still do it if someone wants it.

Last year: No. 7 for Papadakis; No. 9 for Stevens.

7. MYCHAL THOMPSON (Lakers radio, 710-AM)

His game-opening poems are still a lyrical treat, yet there is a point when he can stop saying, "The Lakers need a stop here." We understand the concept.

Last year: No. 6

8. JOSE MOTA (Angels radio, 830-AM)

The new full-time partner for Terry Smith connects with both the Hispanic- and English-speaking listeners. Just give it some more time.

Last year: No. 10

9. RICK MONDAY (Dodgers radio, 790-AM)

Without trying to prep as if he was doing play-by-play or adding color, Mo has been in a far more of a natural element, and a nice change in the conversation. Best, as he learns to get in and out with a comment.

Last year: Honorable mention

10. Is there a sponsor's exemption so we can save this spot for RexHudler, in case the Angels finally come to their senses and bring him back?

Honorable mention: Daryl Evans, Kings radio; John Jackson, college football and USC football radio; Tracy Murray, UCLA basketball radio; Tracy Warren, Sparks TV; Tony Moskal, high school football; Mark Rogondio, Galaxy TV; Sean Farnham, UCLA football and basketball TV; Wayne Cook, UCLA football radio; Brandon Granville, USC basketball TV.

THE BOTTOM FIVE

1. MICHAEL SMITH (Clippers TV, Prime Ticket)

Today's Carmax Smart Quiz asks: How dangerously dumb can one guy be before he forces his employers to send him home without his lunch money? On and off the court, Smith has exhibited nothing much to consider him a real man of genius. Eventually Ralph Lawler might

add another law to his list: First Clippers analyst to provoke one more flabbergasted e-mail must make the walk of shame to the locker room.

Last year: No. 2, bottom 5.

2. STEVE LYONS (Dodgers TV, Prime Ticket / Ch. 9)

Does Eric Collins bring out the best, or worst, in him? That's an argument for another week.Last year: No. 1, bottom 5.

3. BRIAN HAYWARD (Ducks TV, Prime Ticket)

As much as we used to think "Hayzie" was top shelf - and he is on national broadcasts - something is rubbing many listeners wrong lately with his approach. Here's just a sample, a line from PuckingAwesome.com: "It's incredibly annoying to listen to Hayward sometimes with his dumb 'he's living right' quote. He says it all the freakin' time. ... Such a dumb quote. Who is 'living wrong,' by the way?" Apparently, Hayward is.Last year: No. 8, top 10.

4. JIM HEFNER (USC basketball radio, 710-AM)

Sorry, Hef, but it's really sounding too scripted. It's been a rough year, we know.Last year: Honorable mention, Top 10.

5. PAUL McDONALD (USC football radio, 710-AM)

Once Sideshow Paul (in a scenario that must equate the other guy to Petey the Clown) understands that he doesn't need to laugh at all his partner's "jokes" to keep his job, we could get to the heart of his knowledge of the game and current Pac-10 news.

Last year: No. 3, bottom 5

Horrible mention: They still use Michael Cage?