Los Angeles Kings mid-season report

The Los Angeles Kings are through one half of the 2017-2018. How exactly have the Kings been faring to this point of the season?

The NHL season is at its halfway point, the Los Angeles Kings resume their season Saturday against their rivals the Anaheim Ducks. The Kings go into the game on a two-game losing streak, but if you were to assess where the Kings are overall there is no doubt things are looking good.

To say the off-season was tumultuous for the Los Angeles Kings would be an understatement. They fired the coach and GM that helped them win two Stanley Cups in three years between 2012 and 2014. Those glory days seem to fade quickly as the Kings declined, players like Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar struggled last year and management decided it was time for a change.

By elevating coach John Stevens and few personnel changes due to salary cap restrictions few felt the Kings could improve this season let alone returning to the playoffs. With Stevens offensive implementations and the continued emphasis on defense, the Kings find themselves back among the best teams in the NHL.

At 53 points and in second place in the Pacific Division, the Kings are in a good place for their playoff quest. They are at 124 goals scored certainly on track to surpass last years 199 goals scored.  They continue to be one of the best defensive teams leading the league in goals against and penalty kill percentage.

Their resurgence is in part by the improvement of their best players. Anze Kopitar has already surpassed his goal totals from the year before and is well on his way to a career high in points. Dustin Brown much maligned for his contract is now a top line player also in line for a career high in points and goals.

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Drew Doughty is also on his way to his best offensive season while providing the leadership on defense putting him in line to be named once again the Norris Trophy winner as the leagues best defenseman.

Perhaps the biggest improvement was the addition of Jonathan Quick, after being down close to six months last year with a groin injury. Described by his teammates as the backbone of the team Quick is back to providing top goaltending in front of his net. Quick is among the top five league leaders in wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and shutouts.

Not everything has been perfect for the Kings, they have struggled again within their own division, their depth has been tested due to a slashing injury to Jeff Carter, and they continue to struggle to find a top 4 defenseman that can play well with Doughty.

The good news for the Kings is Carter will be back further strengthening their offense and they have room to try and help the defense.

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The Kings feel like they back to their old selves and well on their way to being a tough out in the playoffs. They have some challenges ahead but Kings fans should be happy with just how far they’ve come.