Los Angeles Kings' Playoff Hopes Amidst Recent Struggles
The Los Angeles Kings have hit a rough patch in their current NHL season, facing a challenging period with 12 losses in their last 14 games. Despite the recent downturn, the Kings are still in contention for the playoffs, holding onto the first wild card spot from the Western Conference and sitting fourth in the Pacific Division.
With the majority of their upcoming matches on the road—seven out of the next eight—the team's resilience will be put to the test. The Kings' ability to bounce back during this critical stretch could define their season and playoff prospects.
Coaching Under Scrutiny
Head coach Todd McLellan is navigating his fifth season with the Kings, having secured a contract extension through the 2024-25 season. Despite the team's recent performance, General Manager Rob Blake has expressed support for McLellan. This backing comes at a crucial time as the coach takes responsibility for the team's lackluster play.
"I'm responsible for this," McLellan stated, reflecting on the stark contrast between the team's solid start and its current struggles. "And when you looked at the team that played the first, what would we call it, 25, 30 games if you will, it doesn't look like the team that's playing right now. And I'm responsible for it."
McLellan is actively seeking solutions, experimenting with various strategies to spark a turnaround. "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," he explained.
The underlying metrics suggest the Kings should be faring better, which adds to the frustration. "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 acknowledged.
Players Taking Ownership
Team captain Anze Kopitar emphasized the role of the players in overcoming the slump. While acknowledging the coaching staff's efforts in providing structure and motivation, Kopitar pointed out that ultimately, it's up to the players to execute on the ice. "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," he said.
Drew Doughty, a key figure in the Kings' defense, echoed this sentiment, calling for a collective effort and a team-first mentality. "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 stated. He further stressed the importance of unity and selflessness: "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."
The Kings' recent four-game homestand ended with a record of 1-2-1, signaling the urgency for improvement as they hit the road. With the playoffs in sight and the memory of making the postseason in each of the past two seasons, the Kings are aware of the stakes and the level of performance required to extend their playoff streak.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season progresses, the Los Angeles Kings face a defining moment. Will the team's leadership, both on and off the ice, steer them back to their early-season form? Or will the challenges of the road trip exacerbate their woes? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks, as the Kings fight to secure their place in the playoffs and prove that their true identity aligns more with the team that started the season than the one currently struggling to find its footing.