Angeles Analysis – The Final Two

It’s difficult to write a pointed story coming off of the last 48 hours, because there are really three stories to write as you take a wider-lens look at the last two games and the last two days as a whole

There are, obviously, the games themselves – a 5-3 comeback win over the Seattle Kraken and a 3-2 overtime loss against the Vancouver Canucks. One game saw the Kings overturn a 2-0 deficit, the other saw them lose a 2-0 lead. We had important takeaways from both games, both positively and negatively, but in the grand scheme of things, neither game impacted the larger picture for the Kings, which brings us to takeaway number two.

Takeaway number two is the postseason clinch. The Kings took off from Los Angeles on Tuesday with their fate unknown. They were in a terrific spot, in full control of their own postseason destiny, but left Southern California knowing they might need to take care of their own business in either Seattle or Vancouver to lock up a playoff spot. From the hotel in Seattle, the Kings learned that would not be necessary, as Vegas fell in the shootout against Dallas, sending the Kings back to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

The finality of the clinch then led to takeaway number three, which is Dustin Brown. On Thursday afternoon, Brown formally announced that he will retire from the NHL at the conclusion of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, bringing an 18-year NHL career to a close over the coming months. Head Coach Todd McLellan shared after the game that he believes Brown probably had the decision made for a while now, but didn’t want to disrupt the team’s playoff push, which has been intense and long-lasting over the last few weeks. The ultimate team player, there’s no surprise to that mindset. As Alex Iafallo shared on last night’s broadcast, Brown informed the team during the pre-game meal today about his decision, with everything coming together publicly throughout the day.

In a few hours’ time, we’ll hear from Dustin first-hand about his decision, as he’s scheduled to participate in a press conference in El Segundo later on today. Last night, we heard from his Head Coach and his longtime friend and teammate, Anze Kopitar. A pair of interviews worth a listen, with remarks from Brown, Luc Robitaille, Rob Blake and McLellan once more to follow later on today.

With the three takeaways spelled out, each of them had an importance in their own way.

The games themselves were important as a team, both for the pros and the cons, and they were perhaps even more important for individuals. Having a lower-pressure environment to work defenseman Mikey Anderson back into the fold was crucial, with the blueliner playing in both games over back-to-back nights. Anderson hadn’t played since early-March, but is a key contributor for the Kings, which is play this week going a long ways towards his potential inclusion in Game 1 next week. McLellan also lauded the importance of these games for players like Blake Lizotte and Andreas Athanasiou, who both missed time down the stretch. He also discussed younger players featuring in more prominent roles, in different situations, and how certain individuals had the opportunity to make his decision-making process more challenging for Game 1. Gabe Vilardi was highlighted as one player on night one who played like he wanted to show everyone he should be in that lineup, though it’s hard to single out anyone who was in who should automatically come out. A good problem to have.

The playoff clinch was obviously a net positive, though it showed up a bit in the game. The Kings had a slow start in Seattle, going down 1-0 with a performance that did not look like the LA Kings. That changed in the final 40 minutes, but with several regulars held out, the Kings weren’t at full go early, and needed to be reminded of that at the intermission. On night two, McLellan felt the team was perhaps looking ahead to Edmonton in the final 20 minutes, something that showed in the team’s play as they conceded twice to go to overtime, eventually falling after the third unanswered goal against. It was the opposite, really, the Kings in a good place during the first two periods, checking well, but faltering in the third. All the result did was keep the Kings in double figures in points on the season, at a final total of 99, with their position in the final standings already decided. Now, with Edmonton in their sights, everyone is fully on board for the start of the postseason.

Brown’s moment was special in so many ways. For all of the little details that the support staff puts into a game like this, with custom apparel and nameplates. For Anze Kopitar’s idea of having Brown wear the “C” on his jersey one last time, captaining the team he helped lead to two championships once more. For hugs and handshakes after the game with teammates, former teammates, coaches, trainers, and opponents. For an emotional moment between Brown and Kopitar that you could feel all the way back in Los Angeles. For two terrific post-game press conferences, flowing with admiration, emotion and praise from Kopitar and McLellan.

It all set the stage for Brown himself later on today, in what will surely be another emotional day, perfectly placed between the regular-season finale and the start of the second season on Saturday.

The rest of the day will likely include a huge dose of Brown. We’ll have full coverage from Brown’s press conference in El Segundo, which will surely add additional details into his decision from yesterday. Always an informative interview, hearing from Brown in what could be more of an emotional and raw setting will surely be special. Exactly what to expect, I’m not sure, but certainly a morning interview to look forward to.

While today is a day to celebrate Brown and his contributions to the postseason, from there on out the focus shifts right over to Edmonton. Expect to see a postseason schedule at some point soon, including the dates for the games to be played here in Los Angeles, as well as broadcast options both locally and nationally. Then, the team is back on the ice tomorrow morning for their first practice of the postseason.

It’s all coming soon, Insiders. Exciting times lie ahead!