LA KINGS HIT LIST: CALIFORNIA CASUALTIES
On their way to winning the 2014 Stanley Cup, the LA Kings first had to go through two grueling seven-game series against their California counterparts.
In those series, the Kings faced elimination six times in a 14-game span, which seems like totally impossible.
Besides the obvious of the Kings being the best team in the NHL this season, those staggering numbers do show that the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks very well may have been the third and fourth best teams in the entire league.
Logic would dictate that these Pacific Division giants should bring their respective bands back and try again in 2014-15. Factoring in player growth and development, along with the fact that the Kings played over 110 games, it would appear as though the Sharks and Ducks would be in a great position for next year’s playoff run.
Instead, hilarity ensued.
And, man, it has been fun to watch.
Granted, some of the people below have or will retire, but it’s still pretty amazing to see that a couple of Game 7 losses can so drastically alter a franchise.
Respect is everything in hockey. Look and listen to the Kings when they shake Teemu Selanne's hand. #ThankYouTeemu https://t.co/aQxVVQDupb
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May 17, 2014
#ThankYouTeemu You are truly one of a kind! pic.twitter.com/vb6WVr7wCc
— Tiffany (@Tiffany1425) May 19, 2014
#ThankYouTeemu and all that mushy stuff aside, the LA Kings killed Teemu Selanne.
Or rather, finally put him out of his misery.
Thornton, #SJSharks may both be better off parting ways http://t.co/G9M8YJsqyp
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzCSN) May 28, 2014
Mckenzie "I think the Sharks are going to trade Joe Thornton anyway, or explore that option"
— Hope_Smoke (@Hope_Smoke) May 30, 2014
YES YES YES!!
Perennial choke artist Joe Thornton is finally being cast aside!
82 points in 97 career playoff games with the Sharks you say?
What a loser.
Heard from a source that report going around is true, and the Sharks will not renew color analyst Drew Remenda's contract for next season.
— Steve Lepore (@stevelepore) June 18, 2014
New Puck Daddy: Drew Remenda discusses his stunning split with San Jose Sharks (Video) http://t.co/fuAUPoMQOy
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 19, 2014
Five-time Emmy winner Dremenda: OUT.
Brian Hayward and his zero Emmys: Still somehow has a job.
Screw the San Jose Sharks http://t.co/aD729DutMI
— Fear The Fin (@fearthefin) June 19, 2014
Man, I’d really hate to be a Sharks fan.
Ducks GM Bob Murray said he isn't offering a contract to Saku Koivu. Also won't to UFAs Jonas Hiller and Daniel Winnik.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) June 19, 2014
With Selanne gone, the Ducks also send long-time roster mainstays
Saku Koivu and Jonas Hiller into exile.
Man, the Kings winning the Stanley Cup is seriously just a keep that keeps on giving.
Keep up the great work, Ducks and Sharks!
