Kings head coach John Stevens is heavily counting on Pearson to perform this season, Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider reports.

EDGE Analysis

The bench boss was asked if Pearson will have a "shorter leash" this season after slipping from a career-high 24 goals in 2016-17 to a 15-spot last year, but Stevens said he wouldn't use such terminology to describe his approach with Pearson this season. Instead, Stevens pointed out how Pearson provides intangibles that don't necessarily show up in the box score. "We have big expectations of Tanner taking a lot of responsibility and really solidifying the top-six in our hockey team," he said.

Pearson's 2017-18 campaign ended with 15 goals, 25 helpers and 180 shots on goal.

EDGE Analysis

The puck didn't bounce as favorably as it did in 2016-17 when Pearson scored 24 goals on 187 shots, but he picked up the slack with assists. The 25-year-old winger makes himself valuable in other ways as well. Pearson dished out 116 hits and was one of two of the Kings' top-six forwards to notch over 100 collisions -- Dustin Brown being the other.

Pearson collected two helpers in Saturday's loss to the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

Pearson has been quite productive since the beginning of March, compiling five goals and eight points in 12 games. The 25-year-old only has 15 goals in 76 games this season, but given the Kings' position in the standings and Pearson's recent strong play, the second-line winger could be worth getting in your lineup down this important final stretch.

Pearson scored a goal in his second straight game in the Kings' 5-3 loss to the Blackhawks on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to this back-to-back, Pearson had gone 15 game without a goal (three assists). His big step forward was supposed to come in 2017-18, but Pearson has taken a step back. He's a difficult activation right now.

Pearson (illness) will play Saturday against the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Pearson missed practice Friday with an illness, but it won't stop him from drawing into the lineup against Arizona. Nobody can blame him for wanting to play in this one. The Coyotes have allowed 3.37 goals per game, second most in the NHL.

Pearson (illness) didn't practice Wednesday, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old winger is well on his way to a third straight 35-point season, as he has 10 goals and 28 points through 51 games, while logging consistent power-play minutes. If Pearson can't go Saturday against the Coyotes, he'll miss his first game of the season and either Jonny Brodzinski or Michael Amadio will fill in.

Pearson scored the overtime winner in Wednesday's clash with Calgary.

EDGE Analysis

Pearson rifled a one-timer through the five-hole of Flames' netminder Mike Smith to secure the extra point for the Kings. The winger registered a goal in two of his previous three outings, while firing eight shots and averaging 17:21 of ice time. If the 25-year-old can stay hot, he should be able to help Los Angeles get back into contention after going 3-7-0 in its previous 10 contests.

Pearson produced two goals and an assist in Thursday's 4-3 loss to Calgary.

EDGE Analysis

Two of Pearson's points came in the opening frame, as he assisted on a Derek Forbort tally before lighting the lamp himself with 45 seconds left until the intermission. Last year's 24-goal campaign suggests Pearson's capable of more than the eight he's managed this season, and hopefully this strong effort is a sign of things to come.

Pearson delivered an assist and four hits Tuesday, as the Kings defeated the Oilers 5-0 on the road.

EDGE Analysis

This snapped a five-game point drought for Pearson, who is strumming right along with six goals, 15 helpers and an impressive plus-11 rating. The top-line winger has always played a sound defensive game, with that attribute often compensating for his lack of game-to-game consistency.

Pearson scored the overtime-winning goal and had an assist Saturday against Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

Pearson has been productive during the team's eight-game winning streak, notching two goals and seven points. The 25-year-old has racked up all but one of his 19 points this season at even strength, showcasing his natural skill. The sniper might not match the 24 goals he potted last season, but he's on track for a career year in the points department, so keep him rolling.