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.