Los Angeles Kings' Recent Struggles
The Los Angeles Kings have found themselves in a rough patch, having lost 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this downturn in form, they are still clinging to a playoff position, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division and occupying the first wild card spot from the Western Conference.
As they prepare for a challenging schedule with seven of their next eight games on the road, the team's performance is under scrutiny. Head coach Todd McLellan, currently in his fifth season at the helm of the Kings, has been facing pressure due to the team's recent performances. Nevertheless, he has secured a contract extension that will see him stay through the 2024-25 season, indicating confidence from the organization in his long-term vision for the team.
Management and Coaching Perspectives
General Manager Rob Blake has publicly supported McLellan, suggesting that the issues leading to the Kings' struggles extend beyond coaching. McLellan himself has taken responsibility for the team's performance, acknowledging that the current level of play does not match that of earlier in the season. He remains committed to turning the tide, exploring various strategies to motivate and optimize his players' performances.
"I'm responsible for this. 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," McLellan stated, reflecting on the team's situation.
He continued, "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."
Despite the poor results, McLellan pointed out that the Kings' underlying numbers indicate they should be performing better than they currently are. This discrepancy between statistics and outcomes has raised questions about the nature of the team's issues.
Player Insights
Team captain Anze Kopitar has emphasized the role of player performance, asserting that while coaches can provide structure and motivation, it 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 explained.
Defenseman Drew Doughty echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of collective effort and selflessness. He believes that even when individual players are not at their best, a unified team effort can lead to success.
"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 said. He further elaborated on the team's philosophy: "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 team, collectively and playing for the team."
Looking Forward
The Kings recently completed a four-game homestand with a record of 1-2-1, which has done little to alleviate concerns about their playoff prospects. However, with a history of making the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, there is a foundation of resilience within the team that could help them navigate the challenges ahead.
As the Kings embark on their upcoming road trip, they will have to harness the collective effort and determination spoken of by Doughty and exemplified by their early-season performances. With McLellan's strategic adjustments and the backing of General Manager Rob Blake, the Kings aim to return to form and secure their place in the postseason.
It's a critical juncture for the Los Angeles Kings as they face the test of the regular season's final stretch. The entire organization, from management to coaches to players, recognizes the urgency of the situation and is committed to working together to ensure that their season ends on a high note.