It’s typically pretty hard to jump back into the playoffs after the Flyers have been eliminated, but this year is a bit different. We might as well still have a team in the race, as the Los Angeles Kings are truly indeed Flyers West. If you’re behind the 8-ball on this, let’s take a look at just how much Philadelphia flavor there is in L.A. these days:
- Active players who have worn orange and black: Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Simon Gagne, Justin Williams.
- Former Flyers head coach John Stevens is a Kings assistant coach.
- Former Flyers pro scout Dean Lombardi is the general manager of the Kings.
- Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall is … Ron f’n Hextall.
Logic would say that yes, we should be all in on these Kings. But the thought of Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne in particular hoisting a Stanley Cup over their heads in a jersey without a Flyers logo on it is enough to make me sick to my stomach. I’m not sure if I can handle it.
And then think of the narratives. The mainstream media will paint an awful picture, the national media will have a field day, and knowing the way things operate with this organization, Ed Snider will put in an executive order that Richards and Carter be reacquired immediately. (That’s a joke. Maybe.)
Such mixed emotions on this one. How do you feel?
Do you want the Kings to win the Stanley Cup?
| Yes | 651 |
| Sort of yes, sort of no | 456 |
| Absolutely not | 353 |
| Other (explain in comments) | 25 |
