Los Angeles Kings' Struggles and Team Morale
The Los Angeles Kings have hit a rough patch, losing 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they are still holding on to the fourth spot in the Pacific Division and maintain possession of the first wild card slot for the playoffs in the Western Conference. This position is precarious, especially considering the team has a challenging schedule ahead with seven of their next eight games being away from home.
Todd McLellan, the head coach, is currently in his fifth season at the helm of the Kings. He recently secured a contract extension that will see him continue through the 2024-25 season. General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan, even as the team grapples with its current form.
Despite the string of losses, the Kings’ underlying statistics indicate a discrepancy between their performance metrics and actual outcomes. The numbers suggest they should be faring better than their recent record reflects.
Anze Kopitar, the team's captain, has stressed the importance of player performance, underscoring that while coaching is essential, it ultimately comes down to how the players execute on the ice. Similarly, star defenseman Drew Doughty emphasizes the significance of a collective effort and the necessity for every player to contribute selflessly to the team's success.
Reflecting on their recent four-game homestand where the Kings went 1-2-1, there’s an acknowledgment within the squad that they have made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, and expectations remain high. The players and coaching staff alike recognize the need for a turnaround if they wish to extend that streak.
Coaching Perspective
McLellan has taken ownership of the Kings' struggles, stating plainly, "I'm responsible for this." He draws a stark contrast between the team's solid start to the season and their recent performances. Determined to right the ship, McLellan speaks of trying various strategies to motivate and adjust the team dynamics. "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," he said.
He also acknowledges the puzzling nature of their situation, given the positive underlying numbers. "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," McLellan explained.
Player Insights
Kopitar and Doughty, two veteran leaders of the team, have echoed similar sentiments about the role of the players in navigating out of their current predicament. Kopitar places the onus firmly on the shoulders of the players: "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."
Doughty has called for full commitment from every member of the roster: "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." He further elaborates on the team's philosophy, emphasizing unity and 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," Doughty stated.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Kings find themselves at a crossroads mid-season. With the backing of the general manager, a coach committed to finding solutions, and players aware of their responsibility, the Kings are poised to tackle the challenges ahead. As they embark on their upcoming road games, the team's unity and determination will be tested as they seek to translate their potential into victories and climb back up the standings in the Western Conference.