The Los Angeles Kings should have been the Pacific Division champions. Needing a win in their last regular-season game, the Kings held a 3-0 lead over the visiting Winnipeg Jets late in the second period.
However, instead of sealing the deal, the Kings let the Jets back in the game, and out-of-the-playoffs Winnipeg won the game 4-3 in a shootout.
As a result, the Kings finished second in the division and have to face the San Jose Sharks in what is almost certain to be a brutal and physical first-round playoff matchup.
Not that it would have been easy if they had won the division and been scheduled to face the Nashville Predators, who finished as the No. 1 wild-card team. But it would have been easier than facing the likes of Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
The Kings have the weapons in Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Drew Doughty, Milan Lucic and Jonathan Quick. But if the Sharks push them to seven games, just how much will they have left as they move on to the second round and beyond?
Neither the Kings nor the Sharks made the playoffs a year ago, so look for both teams to pl ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Steve Silverman
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