The Los Angeles Kings already secured their spot in the playoffs and looked like a team that lacked motivation on Monday night against the Minnesota Wild.
They were second best all night, both in execution and in effort during their 3-1 loss.
It's the second time in the last week they've shown up with this kind of performance, the first was against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
Of course, the Wild deserve credit for their performance, they came in and outworked the Kings.
Two performances like this just before the postseason is a bit concerning, but it's also fair to assume the Kings will find their next gear in the playoffs.
We've seen them find that gear before and there's no reason to think they won't have a little more jump come game 83.
If they don't it will be a short stint in the playoffs.
Another concern is the lack of production for Quinton Byfield, who made it 19 games without a goal and just one point in his last 10.
This isn't a great time to hit this kind of slump and the Kings need him to find his game.
With Anze Kopitar returning, we also saw Pierre-Luc Dubois fall back into the bottom six, and his impact fell with it.
The Kings will have a chance to end their season on a high note Thursday, taking on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Another big win over the Blackhawks, with few players breaking droughts, could be a huge boost for the Kings.
If they drop that game as well, they're in danger of falling into the second wild-card spot and facing the Dallas Stars in round one.
Not a spot the Kings want to find themselves in.hhh