The LA Kings

The Los Angeles Kings, established in 1967 as part of the NHL's expansion, struggled in their early years but saw a major turning point in 1988 with the acquisition of Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky's presence elevated the team, leading them to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1993, though they lost to the Montreal Canadiens. The Kings achieved their greatest success in the early 2010s, winning the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014 with key players like Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Their victories helped boost hockey's popularity in Southern California, and while they've experienced various levels of success since, the Kings remain a notable team in NHL history.