Where do they go after their fourth straight opening-round playoff loss to Edmonton? To Cabo? To the golf course? It's time for unflinching self-evaluation. And some retrenching on the ice and off.
For me, it comes down to unforced errors. I want to be very careful here because some of what I say may seem like a paradox. (If you don't like long reads, just move on)
I believe Robitaille is an excellent steward of the Kings brand, yet I blame Luc more than the players for the failure.
I believe the players were good enough to beat the Oilers, and yet I believe Rob Blake is more to blame than the players for the failure.
I believe Hiller showed signs of being a winner all season with some of his decisions, yet I blame Hiller more than the players for the failure.
A organization takes on the characteristics of its leaders.
Robitaille had a limited set of skills as a player and overcame them when surrounded by strong, decisive, versatile and highly skilled legends. Don't get me wrong, I understand that Luc is in the HOF and deservedly so, but he was neither mastermind nor grit, neither hitter nor speed threat. He was reliable in a limited role in an entirely different era of hockey.
Robitaille did not drive the Kings to ultimate victory as a player, and in his Cup win at Detroit he was a depth player behind Brett Hull, Yzerman, Federov, Shanahan, Larionov, Datsyuk. His deficiencies defensively were covered by the likes of Lidstrom, Chelios, Draper, Olausson, Jiri Fischer, Maltby, McCarty and a goalie named Hasek.
Robitaille was the 7th highest scoring Red Wing forward in the playoffs and the 8th forward in minutes played. He was a contributor, he was a teammate, but he was not a leader and not a star player among that group. He was successful in limited deployment among one of the best teams ever assembled, a team that was great before him and after his time there.
As a Kings executive, Robitaille has surrounded himself with sycophants; players from his playing era and not people that were successful elsewhere and brought into the organization. He hires friends and hopes they fit into roles, he does not hire experts with proven track records. Perpetuating "culture" has been an excuse for filling crucial roles from among the limited talent pool of former Kings. Every former player hired has been a "learn on the job" type, not an independent thinker with a successful method allowed to run their own shop.
Blake is an example; promoted from within, next in line, a big name player whose only independent executive experience was guiding a 2014 Canadian National Team that failed to medal for only the 2nd time since 1981. Would Rob Blake be in demand from other teams as a GM if his tenure ended today?
Hiller is an example, too. Next in line, hired from within, a new head coach with no track record who was then surrounded by D.J. Smith and Newell Brown. Smith has never won a playoff series as either an assistant coach or as a head coach. Newell Brown was in charge of the 27th best Power Play this season, down from 12th. Most of the season, the Kings were 30th.
Blake put together a better team than last year. So what? Blake has had 8 years and zero playoff series wins.
Hiller ran his guys into the ground, failed to build trust in the depth players, and destroyed the recipe by leaving out key ingredients and overcooking it. He played 11/7, then 12/6, and in what is known as the toughest grind among all sports playoffs he abandoned the guys he was supposed to have spent the season getting ready and played 9/5.
Fatigue breeds mistakes and injuries; we saw a series where the Kings were rarely physical (who can blame them?) and where mental mistakes (Byfield's non-clear, Fiala shooting early at the empty net and missing) cost us games.
Back that up with a preposterous challenge on Kane's goal but not on an earlier goal that same game where there was actual contact from Corey Perry as Kuemper tried to play the puck. Neither call was going to go the Kings' way in Edmonton in a million years; as evidence I give you the Edmundson trip which would have negated any Byfield misplay.
Luc hired these people; the organization has become inbred, is guided by group-think, and harbors mediocrity in the name of culture and loyalty. It is guided by former players and coaches, most of whom never won, but all of whom were Luc's friends.
There is no team of independent, expert rivals to examine decisions; there is entitlement based on social status. There is no accountability based on merit and results; there is perpetuation of a per diem crowd vicariously "staying in the game."
It is one thing to preserve legacy, and reward significant members from team history. It is a sad thing to hire from among them only, to the exclusion of outside ability, fresh thinking, past success and independent vision.
The Kings players played their guts out, I love those guys, every one of them. Ultimately they lost a mental game being let down at crucial moments by bewildering decision making and over-use. Even our valiant lions of the ice could not overcome the extra weight of organizational baggage forced upon them, needlessly.
The players did exactly what they were told to do, and that is why they lost.
I am in awe of the time you spent to think about this and write it. I agree that the old boys' network has a big presence in their organization. But I suspect that's true in a lot of companies and sports franchises. The key is to have people who don't automatically agree with the leader and can bring a fresh perspective. The Kings don't seem to have that. I also agree that players played hard. But the coach didn't put them in the right position to have the most success, and it all spiraled from there.
You caught me at the keyboard answering another comment. Thank you for being so generous letting me spout off here. The Kings are a major hobby, I think about them in many ways.
It comes in a burst. I find it in the keyboard. I know it's in my head, and I just start writing and see what happens.
I am immensely flattered by your compliment. I have always loved the direct punch in your writing. You can be so concise, it's inspiring to me. I love your style and wit, your structure, and mostly your willingness to state reality fairly.
Excellent post Tom. My question is; who does Luc answer to? Back in the day when AEG owned the Kings, it was Tim Liweke. Whoever this person is he or she should be more accountable to us, the fans. Everything you said hit the nail on the head. We need an organizational overhaul from Luc on down with proven winners in every position. We need to change the culture and I think by doing this we will.
Kelley Cheeseman is the executive in charge of the Galaxy and the L.A. Kings. He is a former sales department employee. He started as an Account Executive in Ticket Sales, was a Senior Sales Exec, then Manager of Ticket Sales, then Director of Sales and Service, then V.P Sales and Service, then Sr. V.P. Ticket Sales and Service, and is now Chief Operating Officer for AEG Sports/Kings and Galaxy.
He is the one that approved the media campaign resulting in a 5.7% drop in attendance this year compared to last, in a year when league-wide attendance rose.
He is the one that makes every post game interview from the bench of a star of the game pander to the fans, with Carrlynn Bathe asking, sometimes twice, things like "What do you have to say to the fans?" He is the one that made me listen to every player give a forced answer in a clumsy and tacky way.
He is the one that approved the commercials where the focus is on past players, with blaring tubas and old images from years ago, including what I think is a ticketing keyboard device but looks like a child's 1st generation computer from 1995.
He is the one that approves the in-arena volume assault of over 100 decibels in a strip-club style attempt to use loudness to simulate crowd enthusiasm. If it's loud they must be having fun, right?
Dan Beckerman is CEO of AEG, which is based in Los Angeles. I suspect he is also involved in day-to-day decision-making for the Kings to an unhealthy degree.
The organization is rampant with micro-management and overbearing input, in my opinion.
In full disclosure, I have personal adversarial experience with AEG professionally involving a successful lawsuit alleging breach of contract with an AEG subsidiary.
Great article. You said everything I was thinking and more. I have been a Kings fan for over 50 years and this was the most painful series loss I have witnessed. I am at a loss for what the organization will do with this offseason. Have a wonderful summer!
Thank you Ms.Helene ! I’ve been reading your columns for the last 25 years and you never disappoint. I’m left speechless with the Kings and after 8 years of Blake as you said with 4 coaches and some horrid acquisitions of players .. I can no longer continue to be a season ticket holder after 20 years. Not worth the traffic and food at staples oh wait crypto, I do dislike the name and it matches the kings “crypto”
Thank you for staying up so late to read me! The Kings by now should have made it to the second round, at least. I don’t blame you for not wanting to go to games when the season ends like this…
This year's Kings are more of a disappointment. However, the two teams are closely matched...and the coaching errors turned the tables. The Kings needed a "wartime consigliere." The regular season is not the playoffs.
The Oilers have superstars. The Kings supposedly had better depth and a better defense. The Kings sabotaged themselves to a large degree, but the Oilers deserve credit for rising to the challenge and making the right adjustments. The Kings did neither of those things.
I've been a Kings fan since 1967, had season seats with my dad for most the 70's and early 80's. This series, I've been exceptionally disappointed with all the blown leads and then, the final loss last night. Something needs to change, but what? Will it? Who knows?
This is, after all, a team that at one time featured a player named Marcel Dionne, who is at #6 on the all-time goal scoring list (yeah, I know #99 was here, too. But that's different). I'm sure playing in LA instead of Canada or on the east coast has nothing to do with that, but whatever. What did his contributions get him, aside from no Stanley Cups and being (IMHO) among the most underappreciated players to have ever laced up a pair of skates? What has the Kings organization done to recognize and celebrate his achievements? Not much, from what I've seen. Sad.
Helene, I was unable to respond this morning (NY time). I was beside myself, but luckily my friend and colleague was coming to my apartment that is still being organized. It was a blessing in that it took my mind off of hockey.... to a point. She's a big soccer fan - Real Madrid so she understood my anger and disappointment.
Now on to your piece.... you are a gem! it really helps to have someone like yourself who can articulate the specifics, the layers within the layers, so well.
Here was one of my favorites:
" If the organization can’t develop players that can be trusted in playoff games and in crucial situations, what are Blake and his staff doing?
Or were the seeds of yet another playoff elimination by the Oilers planted every time Hiller had his players sit back to protect leads and they became passive, which the Oilers gleefully exploited by using their speed?
So many possibilities, but no acceptable excuses."
That is it in a nutshell. Yeah, Blake made some improvements over the summer, but whatever he's done, it's not been enough. For Sure there is the old boys club. You probably remember when they traded a second round pick to the Rangers for Lias Andersson, whose dad evidently had something to do with the Kings organization in past years. Not sure in what context, but no context makes that ok. My favorite blogger on Insider, @Kenny44, wanted the Kings to draft Will Cuylle, who was exactly what the Kings needed and still do need. That's one of the little things that slip between the giant cracks such as PLD. Vilardi, injury prone or not is and was exactly what the Kings need. Kuzmenko is fine, but he's no Gabe Vilardi.
Anyway I find it difficult to express my thoughts at the moment given that almost everything that could be said has been said. Zach in his recent post stated that the Kings were the better team.
This guy who goes by 'xeropoint' on the blog posted the following comment:
"If they were the better team, they would have got the job done. Playing better in some moments doesn’t mean better overall. They didn’t do it when it counted. Which is all that matters."
Btw, I don't know if Helene or anyone else is aware of this, from when Blake took over we had 2nd round picks in most every draft, and in a few drafts we had multiple picks. We have One player on the roster from all of those drafts. That's Unreal. Impossible almost. Jason Robertson was selected two spots ahead of Jaret Anderson-Dolan. A scouting team knowing the Kings needed scoring could have traded up to grab Robertson. Instead they got the guy with a high floor and low ceiling. The one player the Kings have from the second round is Akil Thomas. i'm not counting on him being around next season either. Totally unacceptable. There have been many really good prospects in the second round of the drafts. Yeah, you have to do your work and be clear about what you're looking for. The Kings fall short of that.
Anyway I'm rambling and very very disappointed that they gave away a series that they had every good chance to win. And how Edmonton can hit an empty net on first try while the Kings go 0 for 9 boggles the mind. AN ENTIRE OVERHAUL IS DESPERATELY NEEDED. If Blake is extended again..... I will invest much less time in following the Kings. He just doesn't have the je ne said quoi that people like Bill Zito and Jim Nill, and McPhee and McCrimmon have in Vegas.
Helene, this was a perfect encapsulation of the Kings’ miseries during Blake’s eight dismal years. Pertaining to the most recent playoff failure: What bothered me most was the completely one-sided white flag performance in Game 5. The supposed best home team in hockey was dissected for 60 minutes. How does that conceivably happen?
I think the Oilers deserve a lot of credit for their Game 5 performance. I doubt they can (or will) sustain that level of defensive excellence and goaltending in the next round. But their coach gave them an excellent game plan that night, and it thoroughly exploited the Kings' hesitancy and their overused players.
Edmonton was faster and controlled play through most of the series regardless of the first 2 games. The Kings were slower and showed their age resulting in a total collapse. Good luck to Edmonton… I hope McDavid gets his Cup.
Agree 100%. Maybe your housecleaning doesn't go far enough. The nepotism front office needs to go. From top to bottom. That starts at Cheeseman down yo the equipment managers. One exception might be Ranford, who seems to get the best of the goalies.
The unthinkable, it's time for Kopitar and Doughty to move on. Their leadership on and off the ice has been ineffectual to say the least. With the 24 million in Cap Space we have, and clearing their 18 million. 42 million would go along way to fill the 5 or 6 roster spots that would be open. It would allow us to retool and get younger and faster, and more grit. Of our UFAs Gavrikov and Kuzmenko are keepers. Jeannot, Lewis, Ward, Rittich and Copley get to walk. We only have one NHL RFA LaFerriere, who showed enough to stay. The only AHL RFA of note is Krygier, a Left Shot D, with some size.
Doughty could probably net picks or young prospects. Kopitar could go to a contender, there is some value there.
The SOS ftom the organization isn't good enough. He'll, bring Lombardi and Hextall, at least they won't gaslight us.
Doughty and Kopitar have a modified no-move clause in their respective contract, meaning they could veto a potential trade to a destination they see as undesirable. So it's not so easy to trade them and free up cap space. Frankly, I doubt either of them would want to play anywhere else. I think they could both be effective in limited roles with the Kings. The problem, again, is the organization hasn't drafted/developed players capable of stepping into premier roles like the roles they've played.
For me, it comes down to unforced errors. I want to be very careful here because some of what I say may seem like a paradox. (If you don't like long reads, just move on)
I believe Robitaille is an excellent steward of the Kings brand, yet I blame Luc more than the players for the failure.
I believe the players were good enough to beat the Oilers, and yet I believe Rob Blake is more to blame than the players for the failure.
I believe Hiller showed signs of being a winner all season with some of his decisions, yet I blame Hiller more than the players for the failure.
A organization takes on the characteristics of its leaders.
Robitaille had a limited set of skills as a player and overcame them when surrounded by strong, decisive, versatile and highly skilled legends. Don't get me wrong, I understand that Luc is in the HOF and deservedly so, but he was neither mastermind nor grit, neither hitter nor speed threat. He was reliable in a limited role in an entirely different era of hockey.
Robitaille did not drive the Kings to ultimate victory as a player, and in his Cup win at Detroit he was a depth player behind Brett Hull, Yzerman, Federov, Shanahan, Larionov, Datsyuk. His deficiencies defensively were covered by the likes of Lidstrom, Chelios, Draper, Olausson, Jiri Fischer, Maltby, McCarty and a goalie named Hasek.
Robitaille was the 7th highest scoring Red Wing forward in the playoffs and the 8th forward in minutes played. He was a contributor, he was a teammate, but he was not a leader and not a star player among that group. He was successful in limited deployment among one of the best teams ever assembled, a team that was great before him and after his time there.
As a Kings executive, Robitaille has surrounded himself with sycophants; players from his playing era and not people that were successful elsewhere and brought into the organization. He hires friends and hopes they fit into roles, he does not hire experts with proven track records. Perpetuating "culture" has been an excuse for filling crucial roles from among the limited talent pool of former Kings. Every former player hired has been a "learn on the job" type, not an independent thinker with a successful method allowed to run their own shop.
Blake is an example; promoted from within, next in line, a big name player whose only independent executive experience was guiding a 2014 Canadian National Team that failed to medal for only the 2nd time since 1981. Would Rob Blake be in demand from other teams as a GM if his tenure ended today?
Hiller is an example, too. Next in line, hired from within, a new head coach with no track record who was then surrounded by D.J. Smith and Newell Brown. Smith has never won a playoff series as either an assistant coach or as a head coach. Newell Brown was in charge of the 27th best Power Play this season, down from 12th. Most of the season, the Kings were 30th.
Blake put together a better team than last year. So what? Blake has had 8 years and zero playoff series wins.
Hiller ran his guys into the ground, failed to build trust in the depth players, and destroyed the recipe by leaving out key ingredients and overcooking it. He played 11/7, then 12/6, and in what is known as the toughest grind among all sports playoffs he abandoned the guys he was supposed to have spent the season getting ready and played 9/5.
Fatigue breeds mistakes and injuries; we saw a series where the Kings were rarely physical (who can blame them?) and where mental mistakes (Byfield's non-clear, Fiala shooting early at the empty net and missing) cost us games.
Back that up with a preposterous challenge on Kane's goal but not on an earlier goal that same game where there was actual contact from Corey Perry as Kuemper tried to play the puck. Neither call was going to go the Kings' way in Edmonton in a million years; as evidence I give you the Edmundson trip which would have negated any Byfield misplay.
Luc hired these people; the organization has become inbred, is guided by group-think, and harbors mediocrity in the name of culture and loyalty. It is guided by former players and coaches, most of whom never won, but all of whom were Luc's friends.
There is no team of independent, expert rivals to examine decisions; there is entitlement based on social status. There is no accountability based on merit and results; there is perpetuation of a per diem crowd vicariously "staying in the game."
It is one thing to preserve legacy, and reward significant members from team history. It is a sad thing to hire from among them only, to the exclusion of outside ability, fresh thinking, past success and independent vision.
The Kings players played their guts out, I love those guys, every one of them. Ultimately they lost a mental game being let down at crucial moments by bewildering decision making and over-use. Even our valiant lions of the ice could not overcome the extra weight of organizational baggage forced upon them, needlessly.
The players did exactly what they were told to do, and that is why they lost.
I am in awe of the time you spent to think about this and write it. I agree that the old boys' network has a big presence in their organization. But I suspect that's true in a lot of companies and sports franchises. The key is to have people who don't automatically agree with the leader and can bring a fresh perspective. The Kings don't seem to have that. I also agree that players played hard. But the coach didn't put them in the right position to have the most success, and it all spiraled from there.
You caught me at the keyboard answering another comment. Thank you for being so generous letting me spout off here. The Kings are a major hobby, I think about them in many ways.
It comes in a burst. I find it in the keyboard. I know it's in my head, and I just start writing and see what happens.
I am immensely flattered by your compliment. I have always loved the direct punch in your writing. You can be so concise, it's inspiring to me. I love your style and wit, your structure, and mostly your willingness to state reality fairly.
I couldn't have said it better. The nepotism hires have to stop.I include Cheeseman as well as the COO.
Excellent post Tom. My question is; who does Luc answer to? Back in the day when AEG owned the Kings, it was Tim Liweke. Whoever this person is he or she should be more accountable to us, the fans. Everything you said hit the nail on the head. We need an organizational overhaul from Luc on down with proven winners in every position. We need to change the culture and I think by doing this we will.
Kelley Cheeseman is the executive in charge of the Galaxy and the L.A. Kings. He is a former sales department employee. He started as an Account Executive in Ticket Sales, was a Senior Sales Exec, then Manager of Ticket Sales, then Director of Sales and Service, then V.P Sales and Service, then Sr. V.P. Ticket Sales and Service, and is now Chief Operating Officer for AEG Sports/Kings and Galaxy.
He is the one that approved the media campaign resulting in a 5.7% drop in attendance this year compared to last, in a year when league-wide attendance rose.
He is the one that makes every post game interview from the bench of a star of the game pander to the fans, with Carrlynn Bathe asking, sometimes twice, things like "What do you have to say to the fans?" He is the one that made me listen to every player give a forced answer in a clumsy and tacky way.
He is the one that approved the commercials where the focus is on past players, with blaring tubas and old images from years ago, including what I think is a ticketing keyboard device but looks like a child's 1st generation computer from 1995.
He is the one that approves the in-arena volume assault of over 100 decibels in a strip-club style attempt to use loudness to simulate crowd enthusiasm. If it's loud they must be having fun, right?
Dan Beckerman is CEO of AEG, which is based in Los Angeles. I suspect he is also involved in day-to-day decision-making for the Kings to an unhealthy degree.
The organization is rampant with micro-management and overbearing input, in my opinion.
In full disclosure, I have personal adversarial experience with AEG professionally involving a successful lawsuit alleging breach of contract with an AEG subsidiary.
You crushed it, Helene. You had me at “Marty McSorley moment”
Great article. You said everything I was thinking and more. I have been a Kings fan for over 50 years and this was the most painful series loss I have witnessed. I am at a loss for what the organization will do with this offseason. Have a wonderful summer!
Thank you Ms.Helene ! I’ve been reading your columns for the last 25 years and you never disappoint. I’m left speechless with the Kings and after 8 years of Blake as you said with 4 coaches and some horrid acquisitions of players .. I can no longer continue to be a season ticket holder after 20 years. Not worth the traffic and food at staples oh wait crypto, I do dislike the name and it matches the kings “crypto”
Thank you for staying up so late to read me! The Kings by now should have made it to the second round, at least. I don’t blame you for not wanting to go to games when the season ends like this…
I’ll always be a kings fan forever but time to take a break . But I’ll continue on to read your columns ! You are the best of the best !!
This year's Kings are more of a disappointment. However, the two teams are closely matched...and the coaching errors turned the tables. The Kings needed a "wartime consigliere." The regular season is not the playoffs.
The Oilers have superstars. The Kings supposedly had better depth and a better defense. The Kings sabotaged themselves to a large degree, but the Oilers deserve credit for rising to the challenge and making the right adjustments. The Kings did neither of those things.
An excellent summation of the playoff demise. A fascinating off-season looms.
I've been a Kings fan since 1967, had season seats with my dad for most the 70's and early 80's. This series, I've been exceptionally disappointed with all the blown leads and then, the final loss last night. Something needs to change, but what? Will it? Who knows?
This is, after all, a team that at one time featured a player named Marcel Dionne, who is at #6 on the all-time goal scoring list (yeah, I know #99 was here, too. But that's different). I'm sure playing in LA instead of Canada or on the east coast has nothing to do with that, but whatever. What did his contributions get him, aside from no Stanley Cups and being (IMHO) among the most underappreciated players to have ever laced up a pair of skates? What has the Kings organization done to recognize and celebrate his achievements? Not much, from what I've seen. Sad.
So, today- it's time to move on to other things.
"Forget it Jake, it's the Kings."
Helene, I was unable to respond this morning (NY time). I was beside myself, but luckily my friend and colleague was coming to my apartment that is still being organized. It was a blessing in that it took my mind off of hockey.... to a point. She's a big soccer fan - Real Madrid so she understood my anger and disappointment.
Now on to your piece.... you are a gem! it really helps to have someone like yourself who can articulate the specifics, the layers within the layers, so well.
Here was one of my favorites:
" If the organization can’t develop players that can be trusted in playoff games and in crucial situations, what are Blake and his staff doing?
Or were the seeds of yet another playoff elimination by the Oilers planted every time Hiller had his players sit back to protect leads and they became passive, which the Oilers gleefully exploited by using their speed?
So many possibilities, but no acceptable excuses."
That is it in a nutshell. Yeah, Blake made some improvements over the summer, but whatever he's done, it's not been enough. For Sure there is the old boys club. You probably remember when they traded a second round pick to the Rangers for Lias Andersson, whose dad evidently had something to do with the Kings organization in past years. Not sure in what context, but no context makes that ok. My favorite blogger on Insider, @Kenny44, wanted the Kings to draft Will Cuylle, who was exactly what the Kings needed and still do need. That's one of the little things that slip between the giant cracks such as PLD. Vilardi, injury prone or not is and was exactly what the Kings need. Kuzmenko is fine, but he's no Gabe Vilardi.
Anyway I find it difficult to express my thoughts at the moment given that almost everything that could be said has been said. Zach in his recent post stated that the Kings were the better team.
This guy who goes by 'xeropoint' on the blog posted the following comment:
"If they were the better team, they would have got the job done. Playing better in some moments doesn’t mean better overall. They didn’t do it when it counted. Which is all that matters."
Btw, I don't know if Helene or anyone else is aware of this, from when Blake took over we had 2nd round picks in most every draft, and in a few drafts we had multiple picks. We have One player on the roster from all of those drafts. That's Unreal. Impossible almost. Jason Robertson was selected two spots ahead of Jaret Anderson-Dolan. A scouting team knowing the Kings needed scoring could have traded up to grab Robertson. Instead they got the guy with a high floor and low ceiling. The one player the Kings have from the second round is Akil Thomas. i'm not counting on him being around next season either. Totally unacceptable. There have been many really good prospects in the second round of the drafts. Yeah, you have to do your work and be clear about what you're looking for. The Kings fall short of that.
Anyway I'm rambling and very very disappointed that they gave away a series that they had every good chance to win. And how Edmonton can hit an empty net on first try while the Kings go 0 for 9 boggles the mind. AN ENTIRE OVERHAUL IS DESPERATELY NEEDED. If Blake is extended again..... I will invest much less time in following the Kings. He just doesn't have the je ne said quoi that people like Bill Zito and Jim Nill, and McPhee and McCrimmon have in Vegas.
Helene, this was a perfect encapsulation of the Kings’ miseries during Blake’s eight dismal years. Pertaining to the most recent playoff failure: What bothered me most was the completely one-sided white flag performance in Game 5. The supposed best home team in hockey was dissected for 60 minutes. How does that conceivably happen?
I think the Oilers deserve a lot of credit for their Game 5 performance. I doubt they can (or will) sustain that level of defensive excellence and goaltending in the next round. But their coach gave them an excellent game plan that night, and it thoroughly exploited the Kings' hesitancy and their overused players.
A purge is needed top to bottom.
Blake, Robitaille and Hiller must go.
Bad decisions throughout this series.
Edmonton was faster and controlled play through most of the series regardless of the first 2 games. The Kings were slower and showed their age resulting in a total collapse. Good luck to Edmonton… I hope McDavid gets his Cup.
Agree 100%. Maybe your housecleaning doesn't go far enough. The nepotism front office needs to go. From top to bottom. That starts at Cheeseman down yo the equipment managers. One exception might be Ranford, who seems to get the best of the goalies.
The unthinkable, it's time for Kopitar and Doughty to move on. Their leadership on and off the ice has been ineffectual to say the least. With the 24 million in Cap Space we have, and clearing their 18 million. 42 million would go along way to fill the 5 or 6 roster spots that would be open. It would allow us to retool and get younger and faster, and more grit. Of our UFAs Gavrikov and Kuzmenko are keepers. Jeannot, Lewis, Ward, Rittich and Copley get to walk. We only have one NHL RFA LaFerriere, who showed enough to stay. The only AHL RFA of note is Krygier, a Left Shot D, with some size.
Doughty could probably net picks or young prospects. Kopitar could go to a contender, there is some value there.
The SOS ftom the organization isn't good enough. He'll, bring Lombardi and Hextall, at least they won't gaslight us.
Doughty and Kopitar have a modified no-move clause in their respective contract, meaning they could veto a potential trade to a destination they see as undesirable. So it's not so easy to trade them and free up cap space. Frankly, I doubt either of them would want to play anywhere else. I think they could both be effective in limited roles with the Kings. The problem, again, is the organization hasn't drafted/developed players capable of stepping into premier roles like the roles they've played.