Los Angeles Kings' Playoff Hopes Amidst Struggles
The Los Angeles Kings have hit a rough patch, losing 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they maintain a position in the playoff race, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division and clutching onto the first wild card spot in the Western Conference. With the majority of their upcoming matches on the road—seven out of the next eight—the Kings face a challenging path ahead.
Coaching Continuity
Head coach Todd McLellan is steering the team through his fifth season with the Kings, having recently secured a contract extension that will see him at the helm through the 2024-25 season. General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan during this trying period, signaling confidence in his coaching despite the team's recent performance.
McLellan himself has taken ownership of the Kings' struggles. "I'm responsible for this," he stated. Reflecting on the stark contrast between the team's solid start and their current form, he acknowledged the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "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."
Determined to reverse the downturn, McLellan spoke about his approach: "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."
Underlying Numbers vs. Results
The Kings' underlying statistics suggest a disconnect between their potential and actual results. McLellan addressed this discrepancy, saying, "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
Anze Kopitar, the team's captain, emphasized the importance of player execution over coaching strategies. "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 remarked.
Defenseman Drew Doughty echoed this sentiment, focusing on the need for a collective effort and selflessness among the players. "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 said. He further stressed unity and teamwork as keys to 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 Performance and Playoff Experience
The Kings recently concluded a four-game homestand with a record of 1-2-1. While this stretch has added to their difficulties, the team can draw on their experience from the past two seasons, both of which included playoff appearances. This familiarity with high-stakes hockey could prove beneficial as they endeavor to secure a spot in the postseason once again.
As the regular season progresses, the Kings are at a critical juncture. With a series of road games ahead and the playoffs in sight, the team's resilience and ability to translate their underlying metrics into wins will be put to the test. The support from management for McLellan and the call for player accountability from leaders like Kopitar and Doughty suggest a united front. The Kings must now channel this solidarity into tangible results on the ice if they hope to extend their season beyond the final buzzer of the regular campaign.