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The Los Angeles Kings played four games last week and a prospect scored his first NHL goal. Here’s a recap of news and notes from the week.
KINGS WIN TWO OF FOUR GAMES
Los Angeles went 2-2-0 last week, sweeping a two-game series with the Arizona Coyotes, before dropping back-to-back games to the Colorado Avalanche, both by a score of 3-2.
KINGS OFFICIALLY ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION
The Kings were officially eliminated from playoff contention last week, with the St. Louis Blues securing the final spot for the division. This marks the third season in a row in which the Kings have missed the postseason.
KOPITAR REACHES 1,000 POINTS
Kings captain Anze Kopitar hit a huge milestone, reaching 1,000 career NHL points. Kopitar has spent his entire career with Los Angeles and became the 91st player in league history to reach 1,000 points.
KUPARI SCORES FIRST NHL GOAL
Forward Rasmus Kupari scored his first NHL goal this week, coming in a 3-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. It was Kupari’s fourth career NHL game but his first time in the Kings' lineup in two months.
BROWN TO MISS REST OF SEASON, QUICK INJURED
Forward Dustin Brown missed both of the Kings’ games against the Colorado Avalanche and will be out for the rest of the season. Goaltender Jonathan Quick was also injured last week, leaving Monday’s game against the Coyotes after the second period with an upper-body injury.
As for our poll questions this week, here are the results, along with my thoughts on how they turned out:
QUESTION: How many points do you think Anze Kopitar will finish his career with?
(Votes: 140)
1200-1300: 48%
1300-1400: 25%
1200 or less: 16%
1400 or more: 11%
Kopitar has another three years on his deal and I think it’s possible to predict around 150-200 points in three full-length seasons. After the contract, however, Kopitar will be turning 37 years old and would likely see more of a decline in production, if he continues to play. I think 1200-1300 points is probably the best guess for this.
QUESTION: Do you expect the Kings to be a playoff team next season?
(Votes: 103)
Yes: 51%
No: 49%
Like the poll suggests, I think this is very tough to say and what makes it even more difficult to predict is that we still can’t be sure what the divisions will look like next season. I’m tempted to say no and be content with focusing on development for another year, though I do think a playoff push is possible.
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OTHER ARTICLES FROM MAY:
Weekly Recap: Kings Edition (May 3)
Anze Kopitar reaches 1,000 points
Kings officially eliminated from playoff contention 
Los Angeles Kings Blogger • 
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