The Los Angeles Kings have clinched a 2024 Stanley Cup Playoff berth following their 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames last night. The Kings become the seventh team in the Western Conference to clinch and will be in the postseason for a third consecutive season.
The Kings lost to Edmonton in the first round for two straight years and a third matchup is possible with the Kings currently sitting third in the Pacific Division behind the second-place Oilers with a 442-26-11 record and 95 points.
Back in February, Kings GM and Vice President Rob Blake fired former Kings coach Todd McLellan after the Kings fell out of the race for the Pacific Division crown and into the Wild Card picture. The Kings replaced McLellan with interim coach Jim Hiller who has rejuvenated the Kings squad.
The Kings have been led this season by Swedish forward Adrian Kempe who has notched 27 goals and 45 assists for 72 points in 74 games. Swiss forward Kevin Fiala trails one point behind with 28 goals and 71 points and captain Anze Kopitar has collected 70 points this season as the veteran has played a big role.
21-year-old Quinton Byfield has emerged as a threat this season scoring a career-high 19 goals and 53 points in 77 games and Kings rookie Akil Thomas has become the first Kings skater to score three goals in his first five NHL games since Brian Boyle in 2008.
“Each season, it’s a new season,” Los Angeles interim coach Jim Hiller said. “It goes back to when we took off to Melbourne. So, everybody who’s been involved has been a part of the team reaching the playoffs. I think everybody should be proud of that. It’s a hard thing to do. And more importantly, it’s exciting because now you get to take the next step. You’ve earned the right to take the next step.”
Los Angeles will play the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, the Minnesota Wild on Monday and Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks in the final game of the regular season on Thursday, April 18.
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