The LA Kings Pull Out The 'Excuse' Book After Being Eliminated

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Sky
May 1, 2023 (10:46)

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It's unfortunate to hear that the Los Angeles Kings were defeated in the first round by the Edmonton Oilers' high-event hockey. It seems that Anze Kopitar and the Kings struggled with depth scoring, ultimately leading to their loss in game 6.

I'm sorry to hear that injuries, including Kevin Fiala's, have affected their performance. However, it's important to avoid making excuses for the loss and focus on improving for future games.

West Notes: Kopitar, Fiala, Chibrikov

The Kings' most important winger, Kevin Fiala, talked to the media today as well and gave an update on the status of his health. While he did not want to dive into specifics, Fiala called the injury that caused him to miss three games of the Kings' first-round series a continuation of the knee injury he suffered earlier in the season against the Colorado Avalanche. He did state that no summer surgery would be necessary to get him back to full health, which is great news for the Kings as Fiala (72 points in 69 regular-season games and six points in three playoff contests) is their most dynamic offensive generator.

Although Fiala may have played a significant role in the Kings' first-round exit in the NHL playoffs this season, the team's lack of depth was a major hindrance to their progress. To continue advancing, it is crucial to have a solid roster beyond just one key player.

Did Arthur Kaliyev, Trevor Moore, and Quinton Byfield step up in Fiala's absence? While Byfield is a crucial player for the team, he may not have been able to fully replace Fiala's presence on the ice.