Los Angeles Kings' Playoff Hopes Amidst Slump
The Los Angeles Kings, once a formidable force in the NHL, are currently facing a rough patch, having lost 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they still cling to a playoff position, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division and occupying the first wild card spot from the Western Conference.
Road Challenges Ahead
The road ahead doesn't promise immediate relief for the Kings as they are scheduled to play seven of their next eight games away from home. This stretch could prove pivotal for a team seeking to regain its form and solidify its playoff standing.
Coaching Tenure and Support
Todd McLellan, the head coach, is navigating his fifth season with the Kings. With a contract extension securing his role through the 2024-25 season, McLellan has received a vote of confidence from General Manager Rob Blake despite the recent string of losses. McLellan himself acknowledges the weight of responsibility, stating, "I'm responsible for this. 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 has been actively seeking solutions, experimenting with various strategies to help the team bounce back. "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.
Underlying Numbers vs. Results
The Kings' performance metrics indicate a disparity between their potential and their actual results. McLellan highlighted this discrepancy: "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."
Player Perspectives on Performance
Anze Kopitar, one of the team's leading figures, emphasized the importance of player performance over coaching tactics. "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 asserted.
Drew Doughty, another veteran presence on the team, echoed this sentiment, focusing on the need for a collective effort and selflessness within the squad. "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 emphasized teamwork as the cornerstone of success: "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."
Recent Homestand and Playoff History
The Kings recently concluded a four-game homestand with a record of 1-2-1. While not an ideal outcome, it reflects the team's ongoing struggle to find consistency. However, with consecutive playoff appearances in the past two seasons, the Kings have demonstrated they can be a postseason contender.
In the face of adversity, the Kings must draw upon their experience and the leadership of their coach and key players. As the regular season progresses, the team's ability to translate their underlying statistics into victories will determine their fate. The upcoming road games will serve as a significant test of their resilience and determination to remain in the playoff hunt.
With the backing of their general manager, the guidance of their coach, and the commitment of their players, the Los Angeles Kings are poised to confront their challenges head-on. Only time will tell if they can overcome this mid-season slump and emerge stronger as they strive to secure their place in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.