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3 Reasons Not To Worry About The Kings Current Playoff Scenario

By Keith Rivas

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As it stands right now, the defending Stanley Cup champions are out of this year’s NHL Playoffs. The Pacific Division that the Kings are a part of has exceeded expectations, particularly when it comes to the play of revived teams like the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.

With just six games left on their schedule for the regular season, Los Angeles knows that it is time to kick things into high gear. The Winnipeg Jets are currently the team keeping the Kings from another postseason berth, and stand just two points ahead of the men in black.

Good thing the Kings are experts under pressure.

Upcoming contests include games against against the Edmonton Oilers (2), Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and then of course the season will close with a high stakes finale at Staples Center against the San Jose Sharks.

Oh yeah, it’s about to get good.

With that in mind, and several divisional games still to be played, here’s a look at three reasons the Los Angeles Kings are poised to make yet another miraculous playoff run:

1. Repeat Never Takes A Back Seat

May 24, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Matt Greene (2) hits Chicago Blackhawks center Michal Handzus (26) along the boards in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, this hasn’t been the most ideal season for the Kings, that’s understandable, but to think that repeating as champions in the NHL hasn’t been their main motto and ultimate goal (no pun intended) from the start isn’t realistic.

It’s also just not who the Kings identify as when it comes to team identity.

They’re winners. They’ll take a black eye, a bloody mouth, and a blue bruise if it means they get to raise a trophy at the end of it — and that’s what truly separates them from other NHL franchises. Teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, and even the San Jose Sharks — teams known for playing extremely physical hockey — have tried getting in the way of the Kings and the Stanley Cup.

Bottom Line: You can’t dethrone destiny

And so far Chicago in 2013 was the only successful attempt.

Even last year, the Blackhawks got the Kings into a corner with a Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals but that wasn’t enough to take the Kings off their high horse.

Expect those exponential efforts to continue as Los Angeles marches into the picture last minute as always.

2. Big Things Come In Big Packages

February 27, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Martin Jones (31) defends the goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The way in which Los Angeles has been able to rebuild their franchise from the ground up has come with tons of strength, sturdiness, and talent with a healthy mix of luck, to be fair.

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Without exception, the Kings have continued to dominate in the win-or-go-home scenario all too often for their opposition to be able to predict and control their behavior and winning culture. But having stars that have rose to the occasion such as Anze Kopitar, team captain Dustin Brown, and even Jonathan Quick in net along with backup goalie Martin Jones — a second option that stands an impressive 6’4”; a good three inches taller than Quick.

Bottom Line: Jones is a King all his own

Jones has proven that there is no reason to fear even if something horrific happens to Quick — whether gruesome injury, need for time off, or other reasons to be off the ice for the night.

The 25-year old Jones has a 2-1 record with four starts in six games played this season with a .907 save percentage. In the NHL, those kind of numbers (save percentage at least) could get you a starting job most other places.

But, lone behold, Jones is happy where he’s at with the Kings, or so it seems. And for that reason, so should we.

3. A Long Time Coming

Mar 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Marian Gaborik (12) and Vancouver Canucks center Nick Bonino (13) battle for the puck during the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Not only do the Kings have size and determination combined with a great winning atmosphere that helps them overcome opponents on ice, but they have the endurance and players to do it for a while.

Key players to the Kings recent championship contention spree including Dustin Brown, Mike Richards, and Jonathan Quick, are all financially taken care of through the 2021-22 season.

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That’s a lot of hockey left in them.

Jake Muzzin, who’s been in the background recently for Los Angeles, is only getting $1 million for this season, but will have a substantially better pay day following this year. From the beginning of next year to the end of the 2019-20 season, Muzzin is projected to rake in $4 million each season.

Fellow defense man Drew Doughty, on the other hand, is making big money already. The Kings are paying him $7 million for this year and will continue to dish out that same amount until 2018-2019. Other notable salaries on the team include Jonathan Quick ($5.8 million/yr through 2021-22), Marian Gaborik ($4.8 million/yr through 2020-21), and Jeff Carter ($5.2 million/yr through 2021-22).

Bottom Line: There’s a method to the madness

Taking care of the team has always been a focus in Los Angeles, and now that they’ve got championship experience and swagger under their belt, things are going to be more than fine in the future for the Kings.

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