Los Angeles Kings' Playoff Hopes Amid Recent Struggles
The Los Angeles Kings have hit a rough patch in their current NHL season, losing 12 of their last 14 games. Despite the recent downturn, the Kings are still clinging to a playoff position, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division and occupying the first wild card spot from the Western Conference. With the postseason within reach, every game becomes increasingly crucial for the team.
The upcoming schedule poses a significant challenge, as the Kings will play seven of their next eight games on the road. This stretch could prove pivotal to their playoff aspirations and will test the team's resilience away from home ice.
Coaching Tenure and Support
Todd McLellan, in his fifth season at the helm of the Kings, has experienced both highs and lows with the team. His tenure has been solidified by a contract extension that keeps him in Los Angeles through the 2024-25 season. Despite the Kings' struggles, General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan, indicating confidence in his coaching abilities.
McLellan himself has taken responsibility for the team's performance. "I'm responsible for this," he stated, reflecting on the stark contrast between the team's strong start and its current form. The head coach is actively seeking solutions, trying various strategies to turn the tide. "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 said, determined to find a winning formula.
Analyzing Performance Beyond the Numbers
Interestingly, the Kings' underlying statistics suggest they should be performing better than their record indicates. These metrics paint a picture of a team that resembles more closely the squad that played impressively in the first half of the season rather than the one currently struggling. However, as McLellan pointed out, "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."
Players' Perspectives on the Team's Performance
Team captain Anze Kopitar emphasized the importance of player performance in conjunction with coaching. "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 remarked, highlighting the players' role in executing the game plan and producing results.
Defenseman Drew Doughty echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for collective effort and selflessness. "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 asserted. He further added that the Kings' success does not hinge on individual performances but rather on playing cohesively as a unit. "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," Doughty concluded.
Recent Home Performances and Playoff Experience
The Kings' recent four-game homestand saw them post a 1-2-1 record, a result that leaves room for improvement as they look ahead to their challenging road games. However, the Kings have a history of making strong playoff runs, having made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. This experience could prove invaluable as they strive to secure their spot in this year's postseason and make another deep run.
In conclusion, while the Los Angeles Kings face a daunting task with an extensive road trip on the horizon, the combination of coaching strategies, player determination, and collective team effort could help them overcome their recent slump. As the regular season winds down, the Kings' ability to return to their early-season form will be critical to their playoff hopes and aspirations for another Stanley Cup championship.