I, too, would not want to have another playoff loss where they blame it on injuries. That's a losing mentality. I would prefer if they get Vilardi and Fiala back just to help balance the power play lines better and help their offense more which is going to have to be a key factor for the playoff series against the Oilers. As I said before, there's only going to be a limited amount of time they can do all they can to stop McDavid before McDavid is going to breakthrough and torch them in his ways. The offensive punchback needs to be there for the Kings. Vilardi almost seems ready to go for game one. Been skating in the red non-contact jersey in practices this week.
And yes, Brian Hayward is the worst. For the people that may not like Faust and Fox for the Kings broadcasts, those people haven't heard Brian Hayward. I had the audio off so I wasn't listening to either broadcasts, but when I was listening to the recap from the Hockey Guy, he mentioned that Hayward kept saying that Kopitar's goal should not be allowed because he played it with a high stick and his stick was above the crossbar. A. Apparently, that rule is applied if the goal is tipped in with a high stick, above the crossbar, which it wasn't. and B. when Kopitar settled the puck down before getting it in, he played it at shoulder height and had his stick horizontal which is fine.