By the numbers, the Kings’ top pair won’t stack up to playoff caliber with Clarke in Doughty’s place. But maybe with a stout partner such as Anderson, who has a team-high plus-6 Defensive Rating, their complementary skills will push them to outperform expectations.

The Kings have reached the playoffs three straight seasons and five times since winning their second Stanley Cup in 2014, but have not advanced beyond the first round.

For the second consecutive season, the Dallas Stars advanced to the Western Conference Final, only to face a disappointing setback just as they appeared on the verge of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in a full NHL season since 2000.