Ben Shelley: Will the Kings make the playoffs next season?

Forward depth is getting close, IF you buy that Kopitar will have rejuvenated offense after Danault takes some of the defensive tasks, and IF some of these young guns (Vilardi, Byfield, Turcotte, Kaliyev) become contributors.

Defense is still underwhelming and you just hope there can be two or three seasons where Brandt Clarke and Drew Doughty both are top NHLers. It feels as if Clarke will start dominating right as Doughty becomes a handcuff…let’s hope not!

The Achilles heal that makes it a solid “no” for the playoffs is goaltending.

Forward depth is getting close, IF you buy that Kopitar will have rejuvenated offense after Danault takes some of the defensive tasks, and IF some of these young guns (Vilardi, Byfield, Turcotte, Kaliyev) become contributors.

Defense is still underwhelming and you just hope there can be two or three seasons where Brandt Clarke and Drew Doughty both are top NHLers. It feels as if Clarke will start dominating right as Doughty becomes a handcuff…let’s hope not!

The Achilles heal that makes it a solid “no” for the playoffs is goaltending.
- Dahlmanyotes

Goaltending for the Kings is actually good. Better than most teams in the Pacific. Petersen is an exceptional goaltender and Quick is a more than capable backup. If they miss the playoffs, it won't be because of their goaltending. It will be because they can't score enough.

I suspect they'll be in the running this season, but narrowly miss out of the 3rd Pacific spot to either Seattle or Vancouver. The Central is too good and will get 5 berths next season, so 4th in the Pacific won't be good enough for the playoffs.

That’s a good assessment on the PO picture. 👍

A top 7 pk is a nice thing to have when your continuing to improve. Now improve the PP more. Get more 5on5 scoring. could be a threat.

If the Kings want to take another big step closer to making playoffs...........Trade Quinton Byfield to Buffalo for Rasmus Dahlin.

If the Kings want to take another big step closer to making playoffs...........Trade Quinton Byfield to Buffalo for Rasmus Dahlin.
- Fmjr328

lol

If the Kings want to take another big step closer to making playoffs...........Trade Quinton Byfield to Buffalo for Rasmus Dahlin.
- Fmjr328

Byfield is being heavily promoted as the future of LA. The DSP-Byfield-Thomas line in Ontario was front page news for a week. I honestly don't think they would trade Byfield for 20-year old Wayne Gretzky. He's as untouchable as any player could possibly be.

The Kings have gotten better and the Pacific division has gotten worse so yes the Kings will make the playoffs, I thinks It's entirely possible that the Kings finish second In the Pacific.