What makes you think the Kings should not be, or are not an "all in" team? Kings made an aggressive move to get PLD. At the time, and early in this season they claimed the move was made to help this team not just get past the first round, but to make a deep run.
Well, how do you think this team stacks up against Dallas, Vegas, Avs, Edmonton, even Vancouver. All these teams have made good moves this deadline. At this point I do not see the Kings getting out of the first round yet again. With all the assets used and the cap mess that the PLD trade brought this organEYEzation, losing in the 1st round would be an EPIC failure. If that happens Blake and company should all lose their jobs.
On top of that, the two players taking up large chunks of cap space are nearing the end of their careers. One of which is signed for 2 more years after this one, the other 3 years. These players are not getting any younger and this team was built around THEM to make another cup run. There is no time to wait for next year, or the year after. If the Kings want to do some damage, they need to improve the team.
It is absolutely fine for fans to be in awe of our competitors when they make a trade and acquire a LHD (arguably better than any on this team) for a measly 1.25mm in cap space. That player sure would have helped this team. Englund will be a liability in the playoffs. You do realize, that in the last game against Edmonton Englund was on the ice for something like 13 or 14 zone starts. Only ONE of those was in the defensive zone and most of them were in the offensive zone.
Like it or not, this team is, or should be "all in" right now. They need to improve their LHD and add some bulk on the 4th line. Otherwise, might as well sell off some assets and go at it with a gusto (and ammo) next year.
The problem with all of this is Blake has this team with no cap space, and few assets (pics and prospects). Thanks Blake.