Los Angeles Kings Report Card Following Elimination
The Los Angeles Kings returned to the playoffs in 2022, but thanks to the Edmonton Oilers, will watch the remainder of the postseason from home.
After missing out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last three seasons, the Kings took a step forward this season. LA posted a 44-27-11 record to claim the third spot in the Pacific Division.
Captain Anze Kopitar led the way for his team this regular season, scoring 67 points (19 goals and 48 assists) in 81 games. Defenseman Drew Doughty was very productive when in the lineup but was unable to stay healthy.
A resurgent season in goal from Jonathan Quick also contributed to the Kings’ playoff return. Los Angeles boasted a top-ten defense as a result.
The Kings returned to the playoffs but fell short in Round One.
I find LA to be a fascinating team because of its combination of youth and experience. In some ways, 2022 was the last chance for the core that won two Cups with the Kings. At the same time, this playoff appearance could mark the arrival of the newly constructed team.
How one views that would determine the grade that the Kings deserve here. I picked LA to make a deep run as underdogs, so I’m not terribly disappointed at the early postseason exit, but I think injuries sunk this team’s chances.
If you insert Doughty and forward Viktor Arvidsson into the series against the Oilers, I would expect the Kings to pick up another game somewhere along the line to win the series.
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If the Kings can re-sign some of their key pieces in the offseason, then this season will be a great building block for the future, but if LA is going to rely on veterans to repeat their performances from this season, this trip to the playoffs will be much less impactful.
The Grade: B-