The presence of defenseman Alec Martinez was a big reason why the Kings won the 2014 Stanley Cup. Martinez scored the overtime winner to eliminate the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference finals and then scored the second-overtime game-winner in the Cup-clinching Game 5 of the Final against the New York Rangers.
Two years later, Martinez's absence was a big reason why the Kings lost in the opening round to the San Jose Sharks. Coach Darryl Sutter made the point immediately following the game — that while no team can use injuries as an excuse, Martinez's groin injury left the Kings desperately short on the blue line.