A Challenging Stretch for the Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings have found themselves in a rough patch, losing 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they remain competitive in the standings, holding onto fourth place in the Pacific Division and clutching the first wild card spot for the playoffs within the Western Conference. The road ahead does not promise an easy turnaround, with seven of their next eight games scheduled away from home.
Coaching Tenure and Support
Head coach Todd McLellan is navigating his fifth season at the helm of the Kings. With a contract extension that secures his position through the 2024-25 season, McLellan has received a vote of confidence from General Manager Rob Blake, indicating internal support despite external pressures. As a seasoned coach, McLellan is well aware of the weight his role carries in steering the team back to its winning ways.
"I'm responsible for this," McLellan admits, reflecting on the team's recent performance compared to earlier in the season. "And when you look at the team that played the first, what would we call it, 25, 30 games if you will, it doesn't resemble the team that's playing right now. And I'm responsible for it."
McLellan is not shying away from experimenting with new strategies to reinvigorate his squad. "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 explains, demonstrating his commitment to finding a solution.
Underlying Numbers vs. Results
Despite the string of losses, the Kings' underlying statistics suggest they should be faring better. This dichotomy between expected performance and actual results is not lost on McLellan. "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," he acknowledges.
Player Perspectives
Anze Kopitar, the team's captain, emphasizes the importance of player performance, aligning it with coaching efforts. "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 asserts, highlighting the players' responsibility in executing the game plan.
Defenseman Drew Doughty echoes this sentiment, focusing on the necessity for 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 states confidently.
Doughty further elaborates on the team's philosophy of unity over individual brilliance. "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 play, collectively and playing for the team," he clarifies, stressing the importance of teamwork over individual accolades.
Looking Ahead
The Kings' recent four-game homestand ended with a less-than-ideal 1-2-1 record, adding to the urgency to find a path back to consistency. Having made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, expectations are high for the Kings to maintain their postseason presence. The upcoming series of road games will be a true test of the team's resilience and ability to translate their strong foundational stats into victories.
In the face of adversity, the Los Angeles Kings find themselves at a critical juncture. With the unwavering support of management, a coach committed to adaptation and improvement, and a roster full of players who understand the significance of unity and effort, the Kings are poised to battle through their current struggles. As they embark on their challenging road trip, the hockey world will be watching to see if they can reignite the spark from their season's promising start and secure their place in the playoff picture.