Since 2002, the last time the LA Kings were in the playoffs...

It's been 8 years since the Kings were in the playoffs.  8 freaking long years.  Everybody has been talking about the long playoff drought for this franchise, but I don't think you can really digest the length until you put it in terms of personal milestones.  Earlier this evening I was thinking about how many years have passed and started going through all the things that have happened over the years and realized....shiiiiiiit....it's been a long 8 years.  Since 2002, the last time the LA Kings were in the playoffs, the following things have happened:

• met my future husband
• spent a summer working in Hawaii
• turned 21
• discovered that taking a pepcid AC one hour before I drink prevents me from getting the Asian Glow
• graduated from college
• got a car
• the NHL lockout happened
• George Bush was reelected
• graduated from grad school
• got a full-time job
• Versus started showing NHL games
• turned my boyfriend into a hockey fan
• Kings retired Luc Robitaille's jersey
• got my professional license
• got engaged
• quit my job
• got a new job
• moved
• Barack Obama was elected president
• got mugged
• got married
• the Saints won the Super Bowl and now my husband no longer knows what it's like to root for a losing team

That's a lot of personal milestones and I'm pretty sure I've forgotten some stuff.  I mean...shit, the only things I haven't done are popped out a baby and bought a house.  Think about it: what have you done since 2002??

In the past several months you were hard pressed to read an article about the Kings and not be reminded of how many consecutive years they've missed the playoffs.  8 years, sure, that's a lot.  But once you put it into perspective and think about all the things that have happened since the Kings made it past the regular season it really hits you that GD the Kings have f'ing sucked for so damn long.  It's kind of amazing that even after all these losing seasons that I, and plenty of other fans, have stuck by the Kings and still obsessed over every little move, thinking and hoping that maybe next season it'll be better.  A lot has happened since 2002 and finally, finally, the Kings are in the playoffs.  Sure, I'll be pissed and disappointed if they get swept, but honestly, I'm just glad and so relieved to finally see the Kings compete in the post season.