As the Stanley Cup Final gets under way, unless you are from Alberta or Ft. Lauderdale, your playoff bracket was a bust weeks ago! I know it is too late now, but I keep thinking about all the things the Kings should’ve, could have done differently. But, what if the hockey gods had it played out differently, and the Kings ended up representing the Western Conference, how would they match up against the Florida Panthers? It would be a compelling matchup between two teams with contrasting styles and strengths.
During the regular season, the Kings and Panthers split their two meetings, with the Kings winning 2-1 on January 22nd, and a few days later, the Panthers shut out the Kings 3-0 on January 29th. These games highlighted the contrasting styles of both teams, with the Kings’ defensive structure and the Panthers’ offensive depth on display.
Some key veteran players for the Panthers include Brad Marchand, who was acquired mid-season from the Boston Bruins, bringing leadership and playoff experience to South Florida. In addition to Sam Bennett, who has been a standout performer in the Panthers offensive surge.
Bennett continues to be a scoring leader and has played a pivotal role in the Panthers’ success. And, what about Bob? Sergei Bobrovsky has been instrumental in the net for the Panthers, providing goaltending stability and experience throughout the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Kings bring their own experience and success to the table as well, with veterans like Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and a boat load of young talent that includes Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield. Kempe has been a consistent offensive contributor, while Drew Doughty’s leadership on defense has played a crucial part for the Kings through the years.
This past season, Darcy Kuemper emerged as a reliable presence in the net, posting a record of 31-11-7, which is tied for sixth in the NHL, and a GAA of 2.02 for second overall amongst goaltenders.
Time to drop the puck on the mock match-up of LA Kings vs the Florida Panthers.
This Stanley Cup Final could be contested, with the Panthers’ offensive firepower and experience could give them a slight edge. This is the third consecutive Cup Final for the Panthers, and their core is battle-tested. However, the Kings’ defensive strengths and emerging goaltending could make them formidable opponents. Players to watch for the Panthers are newly acquired Brad Marchand, Aleksander Barkov, and the gritty Matthew Tkachuk. Not to mention, the solid goaltending of Sergei Bobrovsky.
For Los Angeles, Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar have the experience and know what it takes to win a Stanley Cup. The Kings also play a tight-checking defensive structure which frustrates offensive teams. This worked well in their win over Florida earlier in the season.
Florida’s Bobrovsky is a big x-factor in the goal with his veteran presence and likely to be a Vezina trophy finalist once again. Darcy Kuemper can steal a game if hot, but consistency may be the challenge for the Kings net-minder.
The defense favors Los Angeles anchored by Drew Doughty,. The Kings have good gap control and structure, limiting high-danger chances. The Forwards are highlighted in this series with such talents as Barkov, Verhaeghe, and Bennett for Florida. Kempe, Fiala, Byfield, and Kopitar for Los Angeles. It may all come down to one factor…special teams.
The Kings have had one of the best penalty-killing units in the NHL this past season. They rank eighth in the league with 81.4%. However, their power-play can be a little streaky. The Panthers’ power play has been excellent and solid on the PK as well. Special Teams can swing games depending on officiating trends. Are they going to call everything, or are they going to let them play?
It would be a tough fought, close series, with each game being decided by a goal. There might even be an overtime thriller too! So, who would you take to win Lord Stanley? Being on the biased side of the spectrum, I will take the Kings in five!
Or six. Or seven. GO KINGS GO!