Los Angeles Kings' Playoff Hopes Amidst Recent Struggles
The Los Angeles Kings are navigating through a turbulent phase in their current NHL season, having suffered losses in 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, the team maintains a position fourth in the Pacific Division and clings onto the first wild card spot for the playoffs from the Western Conference.
This juxtaposition of playoff contention against a backdrop of recent defeats has raised questions about the team's consistency and potential as they look ahead to a challenging schedule. With seven of their next eight games on the road, the Kings face a critical test of their mettle and resilience.
Coaching Tenure and Team Support
Head coach Todd McLellan is currently in his fifth season with the Kings, having been at the helm long enough to establish a system and culture within the team. His tenure has recently been solidified with a contract extension through the 2024-25 season, signaling confidence from the organization in his leadership abilities.
General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan despite the team's struggles. This endorsement comes at a crucial time as the team seeks to regain its footing and push for a strong finish to the season.
Analyzing Performance Beyond the Surface
While the Kings' recent record paints a grim picture, a deeper dive into their performance metrics suggests that the team has the capability to play at a higher level. The underlying numbers indicate that the Kings should be performing better, hinting at a discrepancy between their potential and actual results.
Team captain Anze Kopitar has emphasized the importance of player performance, asserting that while coaching provides the necessary framework and motivation, it ultimately falls on the players to execute on the ice. His comments reflect an understanding that accountability extends beyond coaching staff and into the locker room.
Defenseman Drew Doughty echoes this sentiment, focusing on the need for a collective effort and selflessness among teammates. He stresses that while not every player can be at their best every night, a unified commitment to giving 100-percent effort can propel the team to success. Doughty also points out that the Kings' winning formula revolves around teamwork rather than individual heroics.
Recent Homestand and Playoff History
The Kings have recently completed a four-game homestand with a record of 1-2-1, a stretch that has done little to alleviate concerns about their direction heading into the latter part of the season. However, having made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, the team has demonstrated that they possess the ability to compete when it matters most.
Coaching Reflections
Coach McLellan has taken ownership of the team's current state, acknowledging his role in their performance and expressing determination to steer the squad back on course. "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 said.
He further elaborated on his approach to reversing the team's fortunes: "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."
McLellan also addressed the contrast between the team's analytics and their win-loss record. "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 conceded.
Player Perspectives
Kopitar and Doughty, as key voices in the locker room, have both highlighted the collective responsibility of the players to translate plans into action. "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.
Doughty reinforced this outlook by emphasizing unity and effort: "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."
"If we play together, we