Los Angeles Kings: A Midseason Resurgence Amidst Challenges
The Los Angeles Kings have defied expectations, showing signs of life when many thought their playoff hopes were on the ropes. Despite a franchise-record season in points under Jim Hiller last year, this season saw a significant drop-off, leading to his dismissal.
The decline stemmed from key players underperforming and a blueline struggling to support both offense and transition play. These issues proved too much to overcome.
In response, the Kings turned inward for leadership, and under new management led by Ken Holland, the team has undergone a transformation. This shake-up included coaching changes, trades, and injuries that have reshaped the roster.
Notably, the Kings have seen significant personnel changes. Phillip Danault, Warren Foegele, and Corey Perry were traded for draft picks.
Kevin Fiala is out for the season and playoffs, while Andrei Kuzmenko and Joel Armia are sidelined for critical stretches. Yet, new faces have brought renewed energy.
Artemi Panarin leads the charge of new additions, with Scott Laughton and Mathieu Joseph also making immediate impacts. Although Joseph's appearances have been limited, Laughton and Panarin have consistently influenced games.
Injuries have forced the Kings to look within, elevating players like Jared Wright, Taylor Ward, and Samuel Helenius. This trio has formed a formidable fourth line, characterized by size, tenacity, and effective puck play. Despite slightly lagging in possession (49.81%), they lead in shots (54-52), goals (6-4), and high-danger opportunities (31-19), providing much-needed stability.
This newfound stability has allowed the Kings to reorganize their middle six. Alex Turcotte has moved to a more fitting role as a complementary winger, forming a strong third-line duo with Laughton. Alongside Wright, Turcotte has excelled in possession (56%), outshooting opponents (17-14) and generating more chances (15-10).
Elsewhere, Alex Laferriere has stepped up in Kuzmenko’s absence on the power play, reuniting with Quinton Byfield. The line of Trevor Moore, Byfield, and Laferriere boasts impressive analytics despite a slight negative goal differential (6-7), with a 56.06% Corsi and a 57-37 edge in scoring chances.
The top unit of Adrian Kempe, Panarin, and Anze Kopitar is finally showing signs of becoming a legitimate top line, outscoring opponents 8-5 and driving play with a 54.55% Corsi.
Yet, challenges remain for the Kings.
Areas of Concern
- Penalty Kill Woes
Under DJ Smith, the Kings have conceded six power-play goals in eight games. While their even-strength play has improved, the penalty kill remains a significant issue.
Laughton was expected to bolster this unit, but results have yet to follow. The return of Armia might help, but it's no cure-all.
Experimenting with Brandt Clarke on the penalty kill is an option, though it carries risks.
- Blueline Tradeoff
Smith’s tenure has seen the Kings’ defense become more offensively involved, with Matt Greene's influence leading to a more assertive blueline. Brian Dumoulin has thrived, and contributions from Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty have been notable.
Brandt Clarke stands out with 45.6% of the blueline’s primary assists. However, this offensive push has come at the expense of their traditionally strong defensive structure, resulting in a more open style of play.
- Control of Destiny
The Kings' schedule presents both opportunities and challenges. Key matchups against teams like Utah, Edmonton, Nashville, and Seattle are crucial in the wildcard race.
However, the Kings will also rely on other teams faltering to secure a playoff spot. Their earlier inconsistency means they're now playing catch-up.
Currently, the Kings are 4-3-1 under Smith, translating to a .650 points percentage. If maintained, this pace could lead to 19-20 points over their final 15 games, potentially reaching around 90 points on the season. Whether this will be enough remains to be seen.
For the first time in years, the Kings’ playoff fate is not entirely in their hands. While improvements are evident and the lineup is more cohesive, the path forward is precarious. The Kings have made strides, but the journey to the postseason remains uncertain.