LA Kings Ready For Deep Playoff Run
By Jeff Henning
The LA Kings continue to be a force to reckon with.
Remember when the Los Angeles Kings started the 2015-2016 regular season 0-3?
Yeah, I don’t really remember that either.
Since that opening draw, the Kings have proceeded to go 19-5-2, which is nothing if not dominant. Jonathan Quick has displayed his prowess in net and is looking like a legit Vezina Trophy candidate.
As a collective unit, the Kings have combined to allow a minuscule 61 goals, which ranks first in the entire NHL. The Kings have also relied on a mixture of bright young stars and seasoned veterans for offense.
Youngster Tyler Toffoli has registered 11 goals and 9 assists, while Jeff Carter has also netted 11 goals in addition to his 15 assists through 29 games this season.
All of this production, of course, comes on the heels of an extremely slow start from All-Star center Anze Kopitar — through his first 16 games, Kopitar was only able to manage 6 points.
Blame it on contract distractions or something completely different, Kopitar has seemingly put that sluggish start behind him, logging 10 points in his last 10 games, which is a stat line we’re more used to seeing out of the Slovenian.
The defensive core of this team has been tenacious. Brayden McNabb has been a revelation playing on the top pairing with Drew Doughty. Although McNabb has only posted 5 points through 28 games played, he ranks third on the team in hits with 71.
McNabb also slots in at third for average TOI among all qualified players.
The Kings second pairing consisting of Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez have also been highly productive although Martinez might not have the advanced stats that both Doughty and Muzzin do.
In some advanced stat categories, Jamie McBain comes in stronger than Martinez which might even speak to the level that the 3rd defensive pairing is playing at the moment.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about this year’s Kings group is there unwillingness to fall into the pit of distractions that plagued the team in the off-season.
Live Feed
Vegas Hockey Knight
From the domestic assault charges brought against defense man Slava Voynov, to the drug-related incidents involving both Mike Richards and Jarret Stoll, the Kings just couldn’t seem to stay out of the negative spotlight, and there was more than likely a warranted level of concern that the team may be focused on other things outside of the rink.
Not to mention all of these events transpire after the alleged mid-season fallout between players and head coach Darryl Sutter.
It was an embarrassing off-season to say the very least, but as you can clearly tell from their play on the ice this season, the Kings have completely moved on as unit from last summer.
It should be noted that the Kings have, so far, had the luxury of playing the leagues easiest schedule.
However, during the Kings’ latest six-game win streak, they beat the Penguins twice while also earning wins against both Stanley Cup Final teams from last season.
Throw in a win against the division rival Vancouver Canucks and that’s a six-game win streak featuring five opponents who made the playoffs in 2014-2015.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
The Kings only have one more home game in 2015 and that comes December 22nd against the division rival Sharks — so also keep in mind that the Kings will have been on the road for all of December (excluding the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 26th).
The Pacific Division has been somewhat of a crap shoot this season. The Oilers and Flames are both currently on five-game win streaks, the aforementioned Sharks have lost six straight, and the Ducks somehow only find themselves three points out of second place.
Bottom Line: It’s time to usher in a new kingdom.
Although the Kings can’t wrap up the division in December, they can certainly put themselves in great position to claim one of the top three playoff spots, which is something you know they’re hungry for after the disappointing end to last season.