A Rough Patch for the Kings
The Los Angeles Kings have hit a rough patch in their current NHL season, with a concerning slump that has seen them lose 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this downturn in form, they still cling to a playoff lifeline, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division and occupying the first wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Road Challenges Ahead
As they seek to reverse their fortunes, the Kings face the daunting task of playing 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
Head coach Todd McLellan is navigating his fifth season at the helm of the Kings. He recently secured a contract extension that will see him lead the team through the 2024-25 season. General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan, standing by the coach despite the Kings' recent struggles. This vote of confidence may provide some stability as the team works to turn around its performance.
Underperformance vs. Underlying Numbers
An examination of the Kings' underlying statistics suggests that their performance should be better than what recent results indicate. These metrics can often give a more nuanced view of a team's true level of play, separate from the vagaries of luck and small sample sizes that can affect win-loss records.
Player Perspectives on Team Performance
Team captain Anze Kopitar has stressed the importance of player performance, highlighting that the responsibility for executing on the ice lies with the players themselves, not just the coaching staff. Defenseman Drew Doughty echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for collective effort and selflessness among the team members.
Recent Homestand and Playoff History
The Kings' recent four-game homestand ended with a record of 1-2-1, adding to the urgency for improvement. However, it's worth noting that the team has made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, indicating a foundation of success that they can potentially rebuild upon.
Accountability and Effort
In reflecting on the team's performance, McLellan took personal responsibility for the downturn, acknowledging that the team's play earlier in the season does not match their current level. "I'm responsible for this," McLellan stated, recognizing the stark contrast between the first half and the second half of the Kings' campaign. He went on to detail the efforts of the coaching staff to rectify the situation, including varying their approach and attempting to motivate and adjust player behavior and mindset.
Kopitar, taking an introspective look at the team's predicament, pointed out that while the coaching staff provides the necessary game plan and structure, it ultimately falls on the players to bring that plan to life during games. Doughty reiterated the necessity for every player to contribute maximum effort, asserting that even if individual performances fluctuate, a united team effort can lead to victories.
"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 remarked. He further emphasized the Kings' ethos of teamwork, stating, "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."
As the Kings embark on their critical road trip, the spotlight will be on both the players and the coaching staff to harness their collective strengths and steer the season back on course. The coming weeks will be telling, as the team seeks to recapture the form that has twice recently taken them to the postseason.