The once-powerful Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings were the first clubs eliminated from the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Kings bowed out to the upstart Vegas Golden Knights in four games, followed by the Ducks being swept by the San Jose Sharks.
Both clubs were hamstrung by a lack of speed, youth and scoring punch. In the aftermath of their swift postseason exits, there’s media speculation suggesting the Ducks and Kings could face significant offseason changes.
The respective managements of both teams acknowledged improvements must be made. Ducks general manager Bob Murray told Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register his club has to get faster.