A Rough Patch for the Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are currently navigating through turbulent waters, having lost 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they have managed to maintain a position in the playoff race. Sitting fourth in the Pacific Division, the Kings cling to the first wild card spot for the playoffs within the Western Conference. However, with seven out of their next eight games scheduled on the road, the team faces a challenging path ahead.
Coaching Tenure and Support
Head coach Todd McLellan is well-entrenched in his role with the Kings, now in his fifth season at the helm. His tenure has been solidified with a contract extension that runs through the 2024-25 season, signaling a long-term commitment from the organization. Despite recent struggles, General Manager Rob Blake has expressed support for McLellan. This backing comes amidst an environment where the underlying statistics indicate that the team's performance should be stronger than what the current results show.
Accountability and Team Effort
Responsibility and accountability have been prominent themes in the Kings' locker room. McLellan himself has taken ownership of the team's downturn. "I'm responsible for this," he stated, reflecting on the stark contrast between the team's promising start and its recent form. The head coach is actively seeking solutions, from adjusting strategies to finding ways to motivate players: "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."
However, the sentiment within the team suggests that coaching is only part of the equation. Kings' captain Anze Kopitar emphasized the importance of player performance: "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."
Drew Doughty echoed this perspective, highlighting the necessity 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 further reinforced the need for teamwork over 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 play, collectively and playing for the team."
Looking Ahead
The Kings' recent four-game homestand concluded with a modest 1-2-1 record, underscoring the urgency for a turnaround if they hope to extend their playoff streak to three consecutive seasons. With the majority of their upcoming games being played on foreign ice, the Kings will need to muster resilience and adaptability to secure their postseason aspirations.
As the regular season progresses, the Kings find themselves at a critical juncture. The team's leadership, both on and off the ice, remains steadfast in their roles, advocating for a return to the form that saw them positioned as a contender earlier in the season. The coming weeks will test the resolve of McLellan's squad, as they strive to translate their underlying potential into tangible success and climb back up the standings in the Western Conference.
In conclusion, while the Los Angeles Kings face a daunting stretch in their schedule, the belief within the organization is that they have the capability to reverse their fortunes. With a coach committed to finding the right formula and players who understand the value of unity and effort, the Kings are poised to battle through adversity. The question remains: can they harness their collective strength and turn their underlying numbers into a winning reality?