Based on the projections in the regular season, the Kings finished as the third seed in the Pacific. Can the Kings get out of the first round and make a deep run in the playoffs?
Let’s dissect the chances for Los Angeles:
Round 1 vs Golden Knights
To obtain the third seed, the Kings’ reward is facing off a stacked Vegas team in the first round. From the predicted standings, the Golden Knights collected 108 points during the regular season and were one point away from winning the division.
The Golden Knights were on pace with last year’s team that ranked in the top five for both defense and offense. Now, that Vegas squad has a star player in Mitch Marner to make them even better this season.
Los Angeles would have their hands full when taking on a giant of an opponent.
Series Result
In this hypothetical playoff series between the Knights and the Kings, the talent would heavily favor Vegas. The Knights would not only be favored in this series, but they would be projected to easily eliminate the Kings.
As previously mentioned, the Knights are elite both offensively and defensively. The collection of players that makes up a well-rounded team. For any team to defeat Vegas, they would have to be just as balanced on both sides.
While the Kings have plenty of defensemen like Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson and Brandt Clarke to slow down Vegas. There is just a huge question mark on offense for Los Angeles.
Previously shown in the 2024 playoffs, the Kings struggled against Edmonton’s forecheck, which led to additional scoring opportunities for the Oilers. The Knights have more equipped defensemen than the Oilers team, which would be an even bigger problem.
Also, the Knights have a strong goaltender in Aidin Hill, creating more of a difficulty for Los Angeles to get the puck in the net.
The Kings offense would struggle immensely against an elite Vegas defense. Defensively, Los Angeles would get tired and worn down from the playmakers the Knights have as well.
Los Angeles is completely outmatched in this series, and it will be hard for them to even keep pace with Vegas. The Knight should easily dismantle the Kings without much resistance.
Series Outcome: Golden Knights in 4
Future Effects
Now that the Kings have lost their fifth consecutive first round series, there will be major questions in the Los Angeles organization. Many questions will be up for consideration about the Kings’ future.
Do the Kings make big splashes to finally make themselves a contender, or would they blow it all up for a rebuild?
The only way for the Kings to avoid an uncertain future is if they can prove the projections wrong and make it to the second round.
