Los Angeles Kings' Struggles and Leadership's Response
The Los Angeles Kings have hit a rough patch in their current NHL season, having lost 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they still hold a playoff position, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division and clutching the first wild card spot from the Western Conference.
With the majority of their upcoming matches on the road—seven out of the next eight—the team faces a challenging stretch that could define their season. Head coach Todd McLellan is steering the ship in his fifth year with the Kings, backed by a contract extension that secures his position through the 2024-25 season.
General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan, signaling confidence in his leadership despite the team's recent struggles. This support comes amidst growing concerns over the team's performance, which has not aligned with the more promising underlying numbers suggesting the Kings are capable of better results.
Anze Kopitar, the team's captain, has voiced that while coaching provides the game plan and motivation, it ultimately falls on the players to execute on the ice. Similarly, star defenseman Drew Doughty emphasizes the importance of a collective effort and selflessness among teammates to turn the tide of their season.
The Kings' recent homestand did little to alleviate concerns, as they posted a 1-2-1 record. Nevertheless, the team can draw some optimism from their playoff appearances in the past two seasons, indicating a foundation for success that they can potentially rebuild upon.
Coaching Accountability and Team Effort
Coach McLellan has openly taken responsibility for the Kings' downturn, acknowledging that the team's play has significantly diverged from its earlier season form. "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, shouldering the burden of the recent losses.
He continues to seek solutions, experimenting with different strategies to inspire a turnaround. "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," McLellan explained, emphasizing his proactive approach to coaching.
McLellan also pointed out the discrepancy between the team's analytical data and their win-loss record. "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 remarked, highlighting the complexity of translating statistical promise into actual victories.
Players' Perspective on Performance
Kopitar, who has been with the Kings since 2006, stressed the players' role in the team's fortunes. "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," he said, pointing to the necessity of player execution beyond coaching directives.
Doughty, known for his competitive spirit and leadership qualities, echoed this sentiment. He underscored the need for every player to contribute maximum effort, regardless of individual circumstances. "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 asserted, suggesting that collective drive is essential for the Kings to succeed.
Furthering this point, Doughty elaborated on the team's strategy for winning games, which relies on unity and teamwork rather than 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," he concluded, reinforcing the belief that the Kings' path back to victory lies in a shared commitment to the team ethos.
As the Los Angeles Kings navigate through this critical juncture of their season, the organization—from management to coaches to players—appears united in their resolve to overcome their current challenges. With a focus on accountability, strategic adjustments,