However, there have been other teams over the last few years that appeared to be capable of winning multiple championships and failed to do so.
The NHL hasn’t had a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. Before that, it was the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992. While arguments can be made for the Red Wings and Devils teams of the 1990s and 2000s, the last true dynasty was the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980’s, who won Stanley Cups in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1990.
Can the Kings become the NHL’s next dynasty?
Youth and the Salary Cap
The salary cap has played a significant role in increasing parity in the NHL. The difference between the NHL’s best teams and those in the middle of the pack isn’t as great as it once was. In 2010 the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds battled for the Eastern Conference title. In 2006 the Edmonton Oilers, a No. 8 seed, came within one win of the Stanley Cup.
This year the eighth seeded Kings dominated the playoffs. The Kings were considered a strong team going into the season, but they underachieved, finishing 29th in the NHL in scoring. Don’t expect the Kings to finish eighth in the west or be second last in scoring next season.
The 2012 playoffs revealed the true potential of the Kings and cemented Dean Lombardi’s job as GM. Lombardi has assembled a solid group of strong, talented players. The Kings are young enough that they could be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders for the next five years.
The Kings average age is 26.5 and many of their top players are under 28 and just entering their prime. Captain Dustin Brown, Mike Rich...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
