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No White House bump for Kings: Capitals shutout defending champs

Troy Brouwer

Troy Brouwer

AP

The Los Angeles Kings got an opportunity to enjoy their past accomplishments on Monday when President Barack Obama honored them for winning the Stanley Cup last year. The following day, the Kings went to the Verizon Center where they received a harsh reminder that they’re not that team anymore.

Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby turned aside all 27 shots he faced in Washington’s 4-0 victory over Los Angeles. Troy Brouwer accounted for the Capitals’ first two goals, although he got plenty of help on the game winner:

With this loss, the Kings have dropped to 2-5-4 following their win against Vancouver on Jan. 1. Speaking of the Canucks, the Kings trail them by three points in the battle for the second Wild Card spot. That’s not a huge gap, but it’s made worse by the fact that Vancouver has played in two fewer contests.

Los Angeles could still turn this campaign around and have a strong postseason. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time the Kings have done better in the playoffs compared to the regular season. However, this season’s edition of the Kings still has plenty to prove as it faces the possibility of being the first iteration since 2008-09 to miss the playoffs entirely.

Related:

Holtby emerging as a leading candidate to represent Canada in World Cup

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