Troubled Times for the Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are in the midst of a challenging stretch, having suffered losses in 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they maintain a position fourth in the Pacific Division and currently secure the first wild card spot for the playoffs from the Western Conference. The road ahead doesn't promise immediate relief, with seven of their next eight games scheduled away from home.
Coaching Continuity Amidst Struggles
Head coach Todd McLellan is steering the team through his fifth season with the Kings. His tenure has been solidified with a contract extension that ensures his leadership through the 2024-25 season. General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan, even as the team grapples with its current performance issues.
McLellan himself has taken ownership of the Kings' recent downturn. "I'm responsible for this," he stated, reflecting on the stark contrast between the team's strong start and its current struggles. He acknowledges the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, emphasizing his commitment to reversing the team's fortunes. "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," McLellan added.
Underlying Numbers Versus Reality
The Kings' underlying statistics suggest a disconnect between their potential and actual results. "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," McLellan pointed out. This discrepancy between analytics and outcomes presents a puzzle that the coaching staff is determined to solve.
Players' Perspective on Performance
Anze Kopitar, the Kings' captain, has echoed the sentiment that while coaching plays a significant role, ultimate success hinges on player performance. "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 asserted.
Drew Doughty, one of the team's stalwarts on defense, has emphasized the importance of a collective effort and selflessness among teammates. "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 stressed the team's need to play cohesively: "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 recently completed a four-game homestand with a record of 1-2-1, a stretch that has contributed to their current predicament. However, it's worth noting that the Kings have made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, which speaks to the team's ability to compete at a high level when firing on all cylinders.
The upcoming series of road games will be a true test of the Kings' resilience and capacity to translate their underutilized potential into victories. With McLellan's experience and the players' awareness of their shared responsibility, there is still time for the Kings to turn their season around and make a strong push for the playoffs.
In summary, the Los Angeles Kings face a pivotal moment in their season. The team's leadership, both from the bench and on the ice, recognizes the urgency of the situation. As they embark on a critical series of road games, the Kings must harness their collective strengths and channel the competitive spirit that has seen them reach the postseason in recent years. With robust support from management, a committed coaching staff, and players who understand the stakes, the Kings are poised to fight for every point as they strive to secure their playoff berth once again.