Now that the regular season is over and all non-playoff teams are on equal footing with Los Angeles, it is a chance to test Lombardi’s theory that building a deep organization requires some serious “suckage” which nets lottery draft picks thus enabling an organization to be good for years, not just good enough to get in the playoffs or be in contention to squeak in. (Hello Vancouver, Buffalo, Carolina and the like.)
It is neither new nor different information to acknowledge that Kings’ fans have been pinning their hopes on one Steven Stamkos as their next savior the entire year. (Yikes)
The problem is that being last doesn’t guarantee that. Also, the last Sharks’ victory took the Kings out of last place. Atlanta winning against Tampa Bay late didn’t help the Kings since it enabled Tampa Bay to own last place bragging rights. That ranking now goes to the Lightning. Nonetheless, as of 5 p.m. today PST, the Stamkos derby officially takes place. With baited breath, many a Los Angeles fan hopes to finally win a contest which may change the course of a rebuilding organization. (Other than the play-off dance… *sigh*)
Steve Stamkos Sweepstakes Monday: What's All the Fuss About?