After a disappointing 2016-17 season, when an injury to Jonathan Quick derailed the team, the strong start the Los Angeles Kings had this year was an indication that their aging core could still bounce back.
Despite a difficult stretch in December and January, they are still right in the middle of the fight raging for the final two seeds in the Pacific Division, constantly being one point in or out of the playoffs on any given night. Squeaking into the post-season in the last wild-card spot could also be difficult considering the perennial strength of the Central.