Los Angeles Kings' Playoff Hopes Amidst a Slump
The Los Angeles Kings, once heralded as one of the stronger teams in the NHL, are facing a challenging phase, having lost 12 out of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they still cling to a playoff lifeline as the first wild card team from the Western Conference and sit fourth in the Pacific Division.
Road Trip Test
The road ahead does not promise any respite for the Kings, with seven of their next eight games scheduled away from home. This stretch could prove pivotal to their season, potentially solidifying their playoff position or further jeopardizing their postseason aspirations.
Coaching Under Scrutiny
Head coach Todd McLellan is navigating his fifth season at the helm of the Kings, armed with a contract extension that secures his position through the 2024-25 season. Despite the current struggles, General Manager Rob Blake remains supportive of McLellan, reflecting confidence in his coaching abilities. However, McLellan himself has shouldered the responsibility for the team's downturn, acknowledging the contrast between their early-season form and recent performances.
"I'm responsible for this," McLellan stated, reflecting on the team's dip in results. "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 reverse 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," he explained.
Despite the losses piling up, the underlying statistics suggest the Kings are underperforming rather than lacking capability. McLellan pointed out 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 on Performance
Anze Kopitar, a veteran center for the Kings, echoed McLellan's sentiment that the responsibility for performance ultimately lies with the players. "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 stressed.
Drew Doughty, another key figure in the locker room, emphasized the importance of collective effort and the need for every player to contribute selflessly. "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 also highlighted the team's approach to winning games, which relies on unity and teamwork rather than individual brilliance. "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 team, collectively and playing for the team," Doughty articulated.
Recent Results and Playoff History
The Kings' recent four-game homestand concluded with a record of 1-2-1, a result that has done little to alleviate the pressure building on the team. Nevertheless, the Kings have a history of resilience, having made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. This track record offers a glimmer of hope that they can rediscover their form and secure their spot in the postseason once again.
As the Kings embark on their critical road trip, the team's ability to bounce back from adversity will be put to the test. With the support of management, the tactical acumen of Coach McLellan, and the determination of players like Kopitar and Doughty, the Kings aim to return to the cohesive and competitive hockey that defined their early-season success. Only time will tell if they can rally together and translate their underlying potential into the wins that matter most.