It’s over, again.
The Kings 2023-24 season came to a close Wednesday, as they were defeated by the Oilers 4-3. LA has now been eliminated by Edmonton in three consecutive seasons.
Just like they did in Game 4, LA got off to a good start on Wednesday. They grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the second period off goals from Alex Laferriere and Blake Lizotte, both of which were the first career playoff goals for each player.
Alex Laferriere's first playoff goal ties it up!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Q9fxfjp7AV
— x – LA Kings (@LAKings) May 2, 2024
LizzOOOOOOOOOMG pic.twitter.com/5xYmgf3oDp
— x – LA Kings (@LAKings) May 2, 2024
Momentum shifted later on in the period. Edmonton added a power play goal and two even-strength goals just as a pair of man-advantages expired. The calls that led to those opportunities were, well, let’s go with questionable. It may be a talking point amongst Kings fans, and while the officiating was certainly not consistent, LA’s penalty kill simply wasn’t good enough all series.
It’s a disappointing result for the Kings who were never consistent down the stretch after a very promising start to the season. This playoff series probably leaves the organization with many more questions than answers.
Stat Sheet Takeaways: LA’s power play never scored in the series while their penalty kill hovered around 50 percent. Heading into the postseason, it was widely known that special teams would play a huge role in the outcome, and that’s exactly what happened. The Kings ended up on the wrong side of the special teams battle, and did so decidedly.
Big Summer Ahead: The Kings will enter the offseason with around $15 million in cap space. As was discussed on Tuesday’s Kings Of The Podcast, however, they will need to sign Quinton Byfield to an extension, find a starting goaltender, and likely add some roster depth. Furthermore, LA has a first-round pick for the first time since 2021, at least for now. There are many different ways in which the Kings could attack their summer and it will be fascinating to see which direction they take. Pressure on the organization to win in the playoffs will only continue to rise heading into next season; LA has not won a playoff series since their Stanley Cup victory in 2014 and it will have been at least 11 years when they get their next opportunity.
There’s Hope: As much as some Kings supporters may not want to hear this right now, there should be plenty of hope for this team next season. One can expect continued progression from young players such as Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, Alex Laferriere, and Jordan Spence, father time still hasn’t chased down Kopitar and Drew Doughty, and the team itself is going to be motivated as ever after another series loss.
Ending on a Personal Note: The end of the road for the Kings also brings the conclusion of my first season of providing game recaps for Mayor’s Manor. I would like to personally thank John Hoven for this opportunity, placing his trust in me midway through a tumultuous season, and guiding me with his immense knowledge and positivity. Furthermore, writing for Mayor’s Manor — alongside my brother, Drew — has been a highlight for us and our family and is something we never envisioned happening. Lastly, thank you to you, the readers, for your attention and support throughout the season. Mayor’s Manor has you covered in what is shaping up to be one of the most eventful off-seasons in LA in recent memory.
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AHL Playoffs: Madden Comes in Clutch Again, Reign Advance to RD2
Lead photo by Perry Nelson
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JOHN HOVEN—–YOUR FEEDBACK DESIRED . . .
IMO), we need to bring John Wroblewski back into the org.
He is the rare coach who can actually coach OFFENSE, and inspire players to be more
creative and dynamic. I heard him say words to that effect to the team, and I saw the results in action.
The players loved playing for him, and guys like Sean Durzi and others flourished.
His Reign teams were dynamic and explosive. Even Rasmus Kupari was a point-a-game player under Wroblewski (early 2020-21 season).
I know he left, very suddenly, under secret, private circumstances.
But whatever the reason, it couldn’t have been anything abusive or hurtful to others (as with Voynov).
Otherwise, he never would have been hired to coach the women’s Olympic Team.
That’s good enough for me.
Let’s bring John back! Coaches like him are rare, IMO.
We need his fresh ideas and inspiration, especially if we want to develop
a new team system that includes offensive creativity as well as defensive discipline.
If we don’t have a head coaching spot open, hire him as assistant coach or offensive coach (don’t laugh,
the Kings could use one, IMO0).
What the hell are you talking about?
Congrats, oilers and the referee. The ref’s had more to do with your win than you did. You have a set of 4 players , then the depth falls off. You won’t last, certainty you won’t make the cup. You’re not that deep, nor are you that good. Let’s put this in Edmonton fans language, you no dat good, you no deep, that mean you not win cup.
The 1-3-1 is archaic.
Kings must develop a NEW system that allows creativity and offensive dynamism as well as
discipline on defense.
Straight defensive systems don’t make it anymore.
Kings must absorb that lesson and move on to a new playing system.
Innovation required.