The adage keeps ringing true for the Kings: It’s hard to reach the top, but it’s even harder to stay on top.
The Kings followed up a non-playoff season with a disconcerting first-round exit, a five-game loss to the San Jose Sharks last spring. That means no playoff series victories since their 2014 Stanley Cup championship, and salary cap limitations continue to handcuff them.
The Kings still retain one of the best foundations in the NHL with center Anze Kopitar, defenseman Drew Doughty and goaltender Jonathan Quick.