The Kings nearly got by without Drew Doughty on Friday. But the longest playoff game in their history ended with a 2-1 double-overtime loss to the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, whose storybook season rolled on while the Kings' season is now two losses from concluding.
It's impossible for the Kings to replace Drew Doughty and all he does. He's their emotional leader, their most durable and talented defenseman and an offensive sparkplug, in addition to being the NHL's ice-time leader during the regular season. He's a big-game player, and they missed him in their biggest game this season.