4. The Verdict
While it's unlikely these two teams will meet in the opening round of the playoffs, the Vegas Golden Knights have a grand opportunity to claim the third spot in the Pacific Division. Los Angeles has played inconsistent throughout the season and the Golden Knights reloaded after the trade deadline. With the Golden Knights figuring out how to play amongst each other, their evolution is showing.
However, that doesn't mean the Kings should be discounted. It's tough for teams to score on Los Angeles, making them a brutal matchup for teams looking to use sheer force. That's how they won the Stanley Cup twice. Behind great goaltending and taking away open looks, the Kings can make a run. In turn, it's up to the Golden Knights to not be their own worst enemy.