A Rough Patch for the Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are currently navigating through turbulent waters, having lost 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they still cling to a playoff lifeline, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division and occupying the first wild card spot from the Western Conference.
With the majority of their upcoming games away from home—seven out of the next eight—the Kings face a challenging road stretch that could prove pivotal to their playoff aspirations.
Coaching Continuity
At the helm, Head Coach Todd McLellan is weathering his fifth season with the team. McLellan's tenure has been solidified with a contract extension that sees him at the reins through the 2024-25 season. General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan, standing by his coach amidst the team's recent struggles.
McLellan himself acknowledges the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "I'm responsible for this," he admitted, reflecting on the stark contrast between the team's early-season form and their current performance. Determined to steer the ship back on course, McLellan is exploring all avenues: "Our staff is doing what we can or what we believe we can to get them to turn it around. We're trying different things at different times. But I'm going to keep pushing away. I'm going to try and push buttons, poke people, praise people, look at how we do things."
Underlying Numbers Versus Reality
Despite the disheartening results, the Kings' underlying numbers—a collection of statistics used to predict future performance—indicate a team that should be faring better. "Our numbers—our underlying numbers—say we're more the first-half team than the second-half team, but the winning column doesn't say that, and that's all that matters. So, it's a very fair question," McLellan pointed out, highlighting the discrepancy between analytics and outcomes.
Player Perspectives
Anze Kopitar, the team's captain, emphasizes the role of the players in overcoming the current challenges. "I mean, it comes down to this room. They give us a plan, they give us the structure, the motivation or the kick in the [rear end]. It is what it is, but it's about the guys that have to bring it out on the ice and make things happen," Kopitar stated, underlining the importance of execution by the players themselves.
Defenseman Drew Doughty echoes this sentiment, stressing the need for a collective effort and a selfless approach to the game. "We feel that every single player on this team needs to give 100-percent effort. And you're not going to have your best stuff every night, but if we all give our 100-percent effort, we're a good enough team," Doughty said. He further added, "If we play together, we're going to win games, so you don't need one player to be the best player on the ice every single night. That's not the way we win games. We win games as a team, collectively and playing for the team."
Recent Homestand and Playoff History
The Kings' recent four-game homestand concluded with a record of 1-2-1, adding to the urgency for a turnaround as they hit the road. Their track record over the past couple of seasons, however, gives fans a glimmer of hope; the Kings have made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, suggesting an underlying resilience within the squad.
As the regular season progresses, the Los Angeles Kings find themselves at a critical juncture. With the unwavering support of management, a coach committed to finding solutions, and players who recognize the necessity of stepping up, the team is poised to battle through adversity. The coming games will test the Kings' mettle, and only time will tell if they can translate their conviction into a much-needed winning streak to secure their playoff position.