Is it really that big of a deal? It's been 8-years since the Kings had a home playoff game. It seems longer than that. The other part of the problem is that over half of the teams make the playoffs. That's how bad the Kings got.
I think the bigger issue is hope. Not only did the Kings win their first home playoff game in 8-years. But, they have a young team that looks promising. Plenty of young players to build around. (Maybe too many? With the salary cap.) So it feels pretty good today. Staples Center was loud and proud last night. If you can hear it on the telecast, it's eardrum splitting. I've been to loud games in-person, only to watch the taped telecast, and it doesn't do it justice. Being able to hear the crowd on TV was great. I've doubted LA Kings fans before, but to be honest, there hasn't been much to cheer for. Years of frustration were resolved last night.
I'm not saying the Kings are past Vancouver already. But it's nice to see a re-building effort go right for once. Kings fans have been through two failed rebuilds. Lombardi has built this team through the ground up. Drafting well. A couple key veterans. Placing an emphasis on character. Not chasing the free agent quick fix. Los Angeles isn't Detroit, no team in the league can match Detroit from an organization standpoint. The last 3-years of wise decision making are showing through this season, and playoff success is a bonus. It's good to be King.
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