The Los Angeles Kings and head coach Todd McClellan find themselves in a precarious situation after a string of disappointing performances. With questions about job security arising and a lack of concern from McClellan himself, it’s clear that there are issues that need to be addressed.
The Kings’ recent loss to the struggling Buffalo Sabres was particularly alarming. Despite the Sabres’ struggles this season, the Kings couldn’t even manage to contain their young scorers. After taking a 3-1 lead, the Kings made a series of defensive mistakes that cost them the game.
This trend of poor defensive play has been evident over the past month. While the Kings have been one of the better defensive teams in the league for the season as a whole, they have slipped to 23rd in that category since December 28th. Drew Doughty and Mikey Anderson, the team’s top defensive pairing, have been particularly underwhelming.
However, it’s not just the defense that’s been problematic. Goaltender Cam Talbot has struggled to stop shots, sporting a .879 save percentage in January. The Kings’ lack of scoring has also been a major factor in their recent struggles. They have the worst shooting percentage in the league over the past month, and their chance-creation has dipped slightly as well.
Adding to the Kings’ concerns is the competitiveness of their division. The Vancouver Canucks have emerged as a surprise team, while the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights have been dominant. The Kings had hoped to take advantage of the defending champions’ potential letdown and the Oilers’ inconsistency, but now they find themselves outside of the top three in the division.
While the Kings could potentially make a coaching change in an attempt to turn things around, the Edmonton Oilers’ recent success shows that a coaching change alone may not be the solution. The Kings have proven in the past that they can be dominant at 5-on-5 play, and with some adjustments, they could find their form again.
It’s important for the Kings to remain calm and address their issues systematically. Goaltending will likely improve, and the team’s offensive struggles should correct themselves over time. Making a move for a defenseman who can contribute offensively and solidify the blue line would also be beneficial.
As the famous Los Angelean saying goes, “Nothing is f-cked here, dude.” The Kings still have the talent and potential to turn their season around. It’s just a matter of addressing their weaknesses and finding their groove once again.
