from Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Register,
Winners. Consistent winners. Not champions every year, because no one can anticipate or expect that, but annual Stanley Cup contenders. Lombardi, the Kings general manager, didn’t want to settle for one prolonged playoff run every few years. He wanted to win, tweak the roster when necessary, and continue winning.
It’s working. The Kings say they’re not done, that reaching the Western Conference final against Chicago – Game 1 is Sunday afternoon – isn’t an accomplishment in itself, but it must be considered one.
Since 2005, when the NHL implemented a salary cap designed to create and sustain parity among teams, only two teams have made the conference finals in three consecutive years: Detroit and the Kings.
“I think Dean has accomplished what he was talking about, to not just be a one-year wonder but to contend every year,” Kings alternate captain Anze Kopitar said Saturday. “I think we’re definitely on the right track.”
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.