The Kings lost 3-1 to the now Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals in a game that highlighted three players who had shifted teams through trade or free agency. Among them were Matt Roy [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/kings-defense-has-thrived-despite-matt-roys-departure] and Darcy Kuemper, but the spotlight was on Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois was the standout performer in the game, contributing two primary assists that ultimately made the difference in the Capitals' victory. Despite challenges like broken sticks and contentious referee placement, Dubois's contributions were key in securing the win, which did not include their empty-net goal. However, it was Dubois's post-game comments that garnered significant attention on social media, overshadowing the points he scored or the win itself. His remarks seemed to resonate with the video the Capitals had shared before warmups, which started off with the phrase "They didn't want you." After the game, Dubois stated, "You remember a little bit of the things that happened last year, and all you want to do is win." His comments struck a nerve with Kings fans and added an edgy twist to the narrative. Dubois has experienced his share of drama in the NHL, starting with his time in Columbus under coach John Tortorella. He demanded a trade from Columbus, which led to his move to Winnipeg. In Winnipeg, Dubois appeared to be becoming the player everyone expected him to be, but he made it known that he had no desire to stay, opting not to demand another trade. This decision resulted in what many considered a significant miscalculation by the Kings' general manager, Rob Blake. Blake traded Gabriel Vilardi, Rasmus Kupari, Alex Iafallo, and a second-round pick for Dubois without a solid plan for how to utilize him. The initial vision was to create a strong center lineup, particularly after the Kings were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the same team the previous year. The team started the season with a record of 16-4-4 but soon began to struggle [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/kings-return-to-the-road-and-the-scene-of-their-collapse], leading to the firing of head coach Todd McLellan. This impressive start masked Dubois' performance early in the season, but as the team returned to its typical form, his struggles became more apparent. After the season, Dubois expressed uncertainty about his role and the team's direction for him. Pierre Luc Dubois only had one point in the Kings five game series against the Edmonton Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjA0ODM5MDQ0NDkwNzg3/usatsi_23164518.jpg] Pierre Luc Dubois only had one point in the Kings five game series against the Edmonton Oilers Dubois completed the season with the Kings, participating in all 87 games and finishing with 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points, along with a minus-9 rating. He did not contribute to overcoming the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs, as the Oilers eliminated the Kings in five games, with the Kings' only win occurring in overtime. This all comes from a franchise that claimed to be on the brink of success. However, the sense of “being right there” has been tainted by confusion and unrealistic expectations for a team that was once considered one of the premier franchises in the league. While Dubois has faced criticism for his performance in Los Angeles and in his previous stints, there are valid points regarding his usage within the team. What was the actual plan for him? The Capitals will savor their victory over Los Angeles, and they seem to be having a strong season, with Dubois on track for a 60-point year. Although his remarks may come across as sharp and somewhat critical, there is validity to his words. The Kings will likely approach this as just another game, but they need to move forward from both the game and Dubois's comments. However, the aftermath of his trade serves as a stark reminder of what could ultimately define the Blake era of Kings hockey. THNWeek1222KeithFries
