Los Angeles Kings' Recent Struggles
The Los Angeles Kings have hit a rough patch, losing 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they still manage to cling onto the fourth spot in the Pacific Division, securing the first wild card position for the playoffs from the Western Conference. The road ahead doesn't look any easier for the Kings, as they are set to play seven of their next eight games away from home.
Coaching Tenure and Support
Head coach Todd McLellan is currently in his fifth season with the team. With a contract extension in place through the 2024-25 season, McLellan has received a vote of confidence from General Manager Rob Blake, who continues to support him amidst the team's challenges. McLellan himself acknowledges his responsibility for the team's performance, recognizing that the squad playing now hardly resembles the one from the first 25 to 30 games of the season.
"I'm responsible for this. And when you look 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 stated, shouldering the burden of the recent downturn.
He remains proactive in seeking solutions, stating, "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 Performance Metrics
Despite the string of losses, the Kings' underlying numbers indicate that the team's performance should be better than the results suggest. This disparity between statistics and outcomes is not lost on McLellan, who emphasizes the importance of wins over analytical data. "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," he commented.
Players' Perspective
Team captain Anze Kopitar echoes the sentiment that while coaching is crucial, the onus ultimately falls on the players to execute on the ice. "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 expressed.
Defenseman Drew Doughty also highlighted the importance of effort and unity within the team. "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," said Doughty. He further emphasized the collective approach 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."
Looking Ahead
As the Kings look to regain their footing, they reflect on their recent four-game homestand where they went 1-2-1. The team understands that making the playoffs in each of the past two seasons sets a precedent for success, and they aim to continue that trend despite current adversities. With a strong belief in their system and the backing of their coach and general manager, the Kings are determined to pull through this challenging phase.
The coming weeks will be telling for the Kings, as they confront the challenge of their road-heavy schedule. The organization, from management to players, appears aligned in their commitment to turning the tide. As the regular season progresses, all eyes will be on the Kings to see if they can translate their conviction into victories and maintain their playoff position in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.