Playoff Predictions

[lasportzphan]

Curious to hear fans, far more knowledgable than myself, thoughts on playoff expectations. The cornerstone of the Kings recent playoff wins have been timely scoring with an identity based in near flawless playoff defense. Unfortunately, this years team weakness has been the lack of one or two strong, physical, crafty defenseman.

The core of this team has alligators blood, even when you think their doomed, their not. However, this is by far their steepest playoff climb in the last 4 years from a personnel stand point. Defenseman need to find a level not seen to date for the team to have a shot.

I predict a first round exit after 6 games. The indentity of this team from previous runs is missing.

 

[smackdown380]

Apart from the Kings, the past cup winners have relied heavily on their top D-men. I think having Martinez back will help.

 

[Psych3man]

Hawks won the Cup last year playing basically 4 defensemen (Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmersson, Oduya) in the playoffs, and I wondered then if that was a trend that was going to catch on.

 

[Kings4OT]

The Kings have played some of their best games ever this season. I know you like to have a meltdown after and during every loss but the fact is they have more points this season then they have in a very long time. This is definitely not the steepest playoff climb...that would be winning the cup as the 8th seed followed closely by having to win 3 game 7's. I would say this team is just as infuriating as those teams where by losing games they should win and playing down to lesser opponents. If the Kings play their game (that includes timely saves by Quick) they advance, if they play the lackluster train to the box they will lose.

 

[lasportzphan]

The Kings have played some of their best games ever this season. I know you like to have a meltdown after and during every loss but the fact is they have more points this season then they have in a very long time. This is definitely not the steepest playoff climb...that would be winning the cup as the 8th seed followed closely by having to win 3 game 7's. I would say this team is just as infuriating as those teams where by losing games they should win and playing down to lesser opponents. If the Kings play their game (that includes timely saves by Quick) they advance, if they play the lackluster train to the box they will lose.

To be fair, I've inquired about Greene and other defensemen (and trade deadline options) all year. Essentially, I've been consistent in sharing my belief the team lacks defensive depth. I'm sorry my opinion is not what you want it to be, however I hope I'm wrong if that helps you feel better.

 

[Kings4OT]

Lighten up, you asked for opinions and I gave mine. It "seems" like you bring this d-problem up after a loss pretty consistently and start with the sky is falling bit. Of course the defensive depth is suspect, over the years they have lost Voynov, Mitchell, Regehr, Greene but have done what they could to fix those problems. All I did was point out this was their best regular season they have had in a very long time and you got butt hurt over it

 

[lasportzphan]

Hawks won the Cup last year playing basically 4 defensemen (Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmersson, Oduya) in the playoffs, and I wondered then if that was a trend that was going to catch on.

Interesting, this system would benefit the Kings big time if the defense can log that many minutes.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Interesting, this system would benefit the Kings big time if the defense can log that many minutes.

The difference is the Hawks had much more talent up front. Kane is out of this world, the Kings do not have that, they have Panarin who plays exceptionally well and also some key pieces in Toews as well who could be compared to Kopitar obviously. I think the Kings fall short there but have a better T4 than Chicago on the back end.

The Kings will need to rely heavily on all 6 defenders. I'm very nervous about Muzzin - he has regressed yet again - and McNabb simply has not taken that step forward this season I was hoping he would. Right now 2 years after that deal it's not looking good to develop him as a Mitchell clone as was envisioned.

The bottom pair is going to be exposed so I hope the Kings have a good plan for that. I don't feel overly confident with McBain, Gravel, etc. being given big defensive responsibilities.

Schenn has a whopping 7 games PO games experience and he was drafted only 3 spots after Doughty (76 PO games experience), so I'm curious to see how he responds. He will be in a better situation and environment than he was in Philadelphia in that 2013-14 POs but I'm thinking he's going to adapt fine. He is built for Kings hockey and IMO has done a fine job in the bottom pair role. Hopefully he elevates his game as does the rest of the team.

Getting Martinez back will be huge, he is a hybrid 3/4 and 5/6/ defender who can play 1/2 situations as needed.

 

[Kings4OT]

Muffin was playing good for the majority of the year, then toward the end of the season he pretty much became the liability we all know him to be....I don't see that being fixed ever

 

[lasportzphan]

The difference is the Hawks had much more talent up front. Kane is out of this world, the Kings do not have that, they have Panarin who plays exceptionally well and also some key pieces in Toews as well who could be compared to Kopitar obviously. I think the Kings fall short there but have a better T4 than Chicago on the back end.

The Kings will need to rely heavily on all 6 defenders. I'm very nervous about Muzzin - he has regressed yet again - and McNabb simply has not taken that step forward this season I was hoping he would. Right now 2 years after that deal it's not looking good to develop him as a Mitchell clone as was envisioned.

The bottom pair is going to be exposed so I hope the Kings have a good plan for that. I don't feel overly confident with McBain, Gravel, etc. being given big defensive responsibilities.

Schenn has a whopping 7 games PO games experience and he was drafted only 3 spots after Doughty (76 PO games experience), so I'm curious to see how he responds. He will be in a better situation and environment than he was in Philadelphia in that 2013-14 POs but I'm thinking he's going to adapt fine. He is built for Kings hockey and IMO has done a fine job in the bottom pair role. Hopefully he elevates his game as does the rest of the team.

Getting Martinez back will be huge, he is a hybrid 3/4 and 5/6/ defender who can play 1/2 situations as needed.

Ah, great insight, thank you. Makes a lot of sense regarding Chicago as their elite offense carries the day. While I could not articulate it as well, I share your sentiments regarding the defense. I'm skeptical as to how this measures up in the playoffs. This is what makes horse races!