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LA Kings: Reviewing the Kings season through analytics

By Russell Morgan

Apr 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Kings coach Todd McLellan wears a face mask in the third period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Staples Center. Vegas won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Kings coach Todd McLellan wears a face mask in the third period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Staples Center. Vegas won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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LA Kings Gabe Vilardi
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The Vilardi conundrum

Gabe Vilardi’s rookie campaign was a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. Management tried their best throughout the year to find players that meshed well with the former first-round pick, one of the King’s most prized prospects. That search came to an end when Vilardi was paired with Iafallo and Andersson.

Besides the short-term spark the Moore-Anderson-Dolan-Grundstrom line gave for a few games this season, the chemistry between Gabe Vilardi and Lias Andersson was one of the few bright spots for the Kings. While on the ice together, the two combined for a shooting percentage of 13.36%, well above the league average of 9.7%. It was a welcoming sign for the two young Kings’ players, and it could end up being the only line to carry over going into next season.

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