A Rough Patch for the Kings
The Los Angeles Kings' recent form has left much to be desired, with the team suffering 12 losses in their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they have managed to cling to fourth place in the Pacific Division and currently hold the first wild card spot for the playoffs in the Western Conference.
As the season progresses, the Kings face a challenging schedule with seven of their next eight games taking place on the road. This stretch could prove pivotal in determining whether they can maintain their playoff positioning or if their recent struggles will cause them to slip further down the standings.
Coaching Tenure and Team Support
Head coach Todd McLellan is navigating his fifth season with the Kings. He 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, despite the team's difficulties on the ice. This vote of confidence suggests that the organization believes in McLellan's long-term vision for the team.
The Kings' performance metrics indicate a disconnect between their potential and their current results. The underlying numbers suggest they are more akin to the team that played the first 25 to 30 games, rather than the one struggling now. McLellan himself acknowledges the disparity, understanding that regardless of what the data indicates, the wins column is ultimately what defines success.
Player Perspectives on Performance
Anze Kopitar, the Kings' captain, stresses the importance of player accountability and execution. While acknowledging the role of coaching, he insists that it is the players who must bring the game plan to life on the ice and make tangible things happen.
Defenseman Drew Doughty echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity for collective effort and selflessness among the players. He maintains that while not every player will have their best stuff every night, a unified 100-percent effort from the entire roster is critical for the team's success. Doughty believes that the Kings' path to victory lies in playing as a unit, rather than relying on individual performances.
The recent four-game homestand, which saw the Kings go 1-2-1, adds to the urgency for the team to regroup and find their form. With the playoffs in sight and the memory of qualifying in each of the past two seasons, the Kings are no strangers to the pressures of late-season hockey.
McLellan's Responsibility and Strategy
Coach McLellan has openly taken responsibility for the team's downturn, recognizing the stark contrast between their early-season play and their current form. He is committed to finding solutions, experimenting with various strategies to inspire a turnaround. His approach includes pushing players in different ways—whether that means pressing them, poking them, praising them, or revising tactics.
"I'm responsible for this," McLellan stated. "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."
His determination to drive change is evident as he continues to seek out the right combination of motivation and method to steer the Kings back on course. "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 explained.
Looking Ahead
The Kings' immediate future presents a formidable test, with a series of road games that could define their season. The support from management, the recognition of issues by the coaching staff, and the players' emphasis on unity and effort form the foundation of their response to adversity. As the regular season reaches its climax, the Los Angeles Kings are at a crossroads, needing to translate their potential and past successes into a strong finish to secure their place in the postseason.