los angeles kings history
los angeles kings history
Los Angeles Kings ticket holders are excited as they enter their 38th season. Although without a Stanley Cup, the Kings have a long and storied history in the NHL. After many years of NHL Playoff appearances, the Kings pulled off the coup of the century. Prior to the 1988-89 season, Kings ticket holders went ecstatic with the acquisition of Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player in the history of the National Hockey League. Despite Gretzky’s amazing play, and the fact that he could accomplish things with a puck that no other player ever had, the Kings would go “Cup-less” in Gretzky’s eight seasons in Los Angeles.
Beginning play in 1967-68 under owner Jack Kent Cooke, who also owned the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, the Kings entered the NHL with five other expansion teams. The Kings finished second in the Western Conference and qualified for the NHL Playoffs in their inaugural season. They were eliminated in the first round in seven games by the Minnesota North Stars.
In the years following, the Kings were anything but fantastic, as they finished last or close to last the next six seasons. Then in 1975 the Kings made a commitment to winning by acquiring Marcel Dionne, and they would again make the NHL Playoffs. Dionne would lead the way for the Kings for the next several seasons leading the team in almost all offensive categories.
Jack Kent Cooke sold the Kings, along with the Lakers, and the Great Western Forum to Dr. Jerry Buss. A short time later, Dr. Buss would divest himself of the Kings.
Although Marcel Dionne would continue his dominance, the Kings would play average hockey over the next several seasons. Then in 1982-83, the Kings’ poor goaltending would prove to be their downfall as they failed to make the NHL Playoffs after a 10-year playoff run.
Finally, in 1986-87, Dionne played his last game in a Kings uniform as he was traded to the New York Rangers in a late season deal. But they would not be without a star as Luc Robatille would emerge as the king’s new King.
In 88-89, the Gretzky era began in Los Angeles as the Kings acquired the superstar from the Edmonton Oilers for numerous players. And although the Kings got past the Oilers in the playoffs, the Calgary Flames would keep the Kings from the crown.
The next three seasons would see the Kings eliminated from the NHL Playoffs by Gretzky’s former team, the Edmonton Oilers.
Even though Gretzky had one of his best seasons and broke Gordie Howe’s all-time goals scored record, the Kings only finished fifth in the division, and behind the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in their expansion season.
Two years later, the Gretzky era would end in Los Angeles as late in the season, “The Great One” was traded to the St. Louis Blues. Poetic justice would have the Kings eliminated from the NHL Playoffs the next year by the Blues. However, by that time, Gretzky was already with the New York Rangers.
Fans with Kings tickets are usually treated to exciting hockey, and as always treated to star-gazing as many Hollywood celebrities also have Kings tickets. This year they’re hoping to see the Kings not only have a stellar season, but hope they follow it up with a Stanley Cup.
