Having 1-0 results as bookends of the series should tell you all that you need to know as to why the Kings will be heading to the golf links right now. They were only able to score three goals total, and games one and four were shutouts that showed the Kings had trouble not only finding the net, but also keeping up with the Golden Knights. Say what you will about the Golden Knights being afforded the opportunity to field a competitive team, but the players picked by them not only had something to prove, but also bought into the system that coach Gerard Gallant installed. The right hockey people were picked for the front office, and the ability to capitalize on moves such as claiming Malcolm Subban off waivers from Boston and getting a first round pick in last year's draft from the Islanders for basically nothing show the acumen of the group. As for the Kings, less than a goal a game is not going to cut it in any sport, and certainly, even with Quick keeping the team in the games, it looked for all the world that the Kings just simply gave up on offense, rarely challenging the Golden Knights on any level offensively. It should say plenty that the team speed was virtually non-existent, and the players that can score, did very little of that. It didn't matter that Drew Doughty was suspended for game two of the series, as the Kings would have been dispatched quickly anyway.
Making the playoffs was nice for the Kings after missing out last year, but there are massive holes that need to be patched up before they can resemble a Stanley Cup contender again. Let's hope prospects like Kale Clague and Jarret Anderson-Dolan develop as hoped and Gabe Vilardi can be an answer down the middle for a team that may soon need to infuse some younger, quicker talent.
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