Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Time to be worried about the Kings playoff chances?

Daradon · 02-04-2015, 11:59 AM

Hey gang,

One of the most interesting stories over the last four years in the NHL is that of the current reigning champs, the LA Kings. As we all know, they have looked unbeatable in the playoffs the two years they won the cup, either simply sweeping teams out the door, or even in the case of the Sharks, making a miraculous comeback, that somehow seemed a little expected. It's been hard to bet against them in a playoff matchup, but what makes it even more interesting is that the enter the playoffs at such a low seeding.

Which of course brings us to this year. The standard school of thought even with the Kings on the outside looking in, is that hey, it's the Kings, that's what they do. They'll squeak in and then make a bunch of noise. They'll be fine.

I felt that way before the All-Star break. But I'm beginning to wonder if this year may be the year it catches up to them. Currently they sit 5 points out of the wild card (with a game in hand on the Flames) and 10 points out of a spot in their division, which is looking like it will be the harder division to grab a spot in when the final results are in. Besides that however, they are 12th in the conference, with only Phoenix and Edmonton being worse than them as of when I am writing this. So points are half of the equation for them. They have teams to leapfrog. They have 'four point' conference matchups to win, if they want to get in.

Now there's lots of reasons why they could be excused for not making it into the playoffs. They've already accomplished the remarkable putting together two cups in such a short time. They are most likely experiencing some sort of Stanley Cup hangover this year, and expecting them to do it year after year is just crazy. But there could be hockey related reasons too. Is the team getting old (older)? The brusing style of play could be catching up to them, even the young guys. Are they tuning out Darryl? How much has the weakened play of Richards hurt them and their chances? Is it more than just a hangover or a weaker year in an otherwise strong and continuing legacy?

So what do you guys and gals think? Should Kings supporters and the team itself be worried right now, or will they be fine if they continue to play their game? If they do make it in, will they be a juggernaut once again? And if they do not, is it because they team is starting to change, or simply because they can't be expected to be a powerhouse year in and year out?

02-04-2015, 11:59 AM	#1
Daradon Has lived the dream! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Where I lay my head is home... Exp:	Time to be worried about the Kings playoff chances? Hey gang, One of the most interesting stories over the last four years in the NHL is that of the current reigning champs, the LA Kings. As we all know, they have looked unbeatable in the playoffs the two years they won the cup, either simply sweeping teams out the door, or even in the case of the Sharks, making a miraculous comeback, that somehow seemed a little expected. It's been hard to bet against them in a playoff matchup, but what makes it even more interesting is that the enter the playoffs at such a low seeding. Which of course brings us to this year. The standard school of thought even with the Kings on the outside looking in, is that hey, it's the Kings, that's what they do. They'll squeak in and then make a bunch of noise. They'll be fine. I felt that way before the All-Star break. But I'm beginning to wonder if this year may be the year it catches up to them. Currently they sit 5 points out of the wild card (with a game in hand on the Flames) and 10 points out of a spot in their division, which is looking like it will be the harder division to grab a spot in when the final results are in. Besides that however, they are 12th in the conference, with only Phoenix and Edmonton being worse than them as of when I am writing this. So points are half of the equation for them. They have teams to leapfrog. They have 'four point' conference matchups to win, if they want to get in. Now there's lots of reasons why they could be excused for not making it into the playoffs. They've already accomplished the remarkable putting together two cups in such a short time. They are most likely experiencing some sort of Stanley Cup hangover this year, and expecting them to do it year after year is just crazy. But there could be hockey related reasons too. Is the team getting old (older)? The brusing style of play could be catching up to them, even the young guys. Are they tuning out Darryl? How much has the weakened play of Richards hurt them and their chances? Is it more than just a hangover or a weaker year in an otherwise strong and continuing legacy? So what do you guys and gals think? Should Kings supporters and the team itself be worried right now, or will they be fine if they continue to play their game? If they do make it in, will they be a juggernaut once again? And if they do not, is it because they team is starting to change, or simply because they can't be expected to be a powerhouse year in and year out?