Los Angeles Kings: Playoff Performance Proves They Were Built for Playoff Run

Don't be surprised the Los Angeles Kings are a win away from becoming the first No. 8 seed to win the Stanley Cup. 

They were built for such a monumental run long before the puck was dropped on the 2011-2012 season. The fact that they're a ridiculous 15-2 this postseason is remarkable, and such a dominant feat may never happen again from such a low seed in the NHL playoffs. 

However, look up and down their roster, and you'll see they were the perfectly assembled postseason machine. 

The Kings had a respectable season a year ago in which they made the Western Conference Finals as the No. 7 seed, but were quickly dispatched by the high-powered San Joe Sharks in the opening round, 4-2. 

Though veteran Ryan Smyth scored 23 goals, and then 22-year-old Wayne Simmonds looked to have a promising future, the team's front office knew it had to get tougher to become more formidable during the postseason.

So they moved Smyth back to the Edmonton Oilers, and sent Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and a second-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for Mike Richards and Rob Bordson.

A bold move by the Kings. 

At the trade deadline, Richard's Flyers buddy Jeff Carter was acquired in a deal that sent youthful Olympic defensemen Jack Johnson packing. 

Again, another brazen deal by Los Angeles. 

Reuniting the playoff-accomplished Carter and Richards, along with up-and-coming sniper Anze Kopitar and the steady playmaker Dustin Brown, put the Kings well on their way, even if no one took notice. 

After the Carter deal, the Kings had only five regulation losses in their last 21 games and snuck into that final playoff spot. 

While the team was certainly playing better hockey with the assortment of new parts, goalie Jonathan Quick—the Kings unquestioned starter since the 2008 season—quietly pieced together his best season as a professional. 

His 1.95 goals against average was second in the league, and he won a respectable 35 games that tied him for fifth in the NHL. 

Although they dropped their final two games of the regular season, they had all the necessary facets to make a deep run in the postseason. 

We all know playoff hockey varies from the regular season, and the new-look Kings were actually constructed better for NHL's second season. 

They deserve an abundance of respect for their epic cruise through the playoffs, but don't forget about the assertive moves their front office made, especially general manager Dean Lombardi. 

He understood what type of players needed to be on the roster to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup, and soon enough he'll get the enviable chance to do so. 

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