The LA Kings' Early Season Struggles: A Deep Dive
The LA Kings are gearing up for their upcoming road trip, and with it, an opportunity to address some early-season concerns. Today, we delve into the team's practice session, analyzing the lineup, the players' performances, and the staff's insights.
Practice Lineup: A Familiar Look
The full active roster took to the ice today, with 13 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders. Notably, the alignment mirrored the Kings' previous games against Colorado and Vegas. The current lineup, as shown below, suggests a consistent approach:
- Kuzmenko - Kopitar - Kempe
- Fiala - Byfield - Laferriere
- Foegele - Danault - Moore
- Malott - Turcotte - Armia
Helenius
Anderson - Doughty
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Dumoulin - Ceci
Moverare
Kuemper / Forsberg
However, injured forwards Corey Perry and Kyle Burroughs continue their separate skating sessions, indicating a gradual return to full-contact practice.
No Drastic Changes Anticipated
Despite the Kings' recent struggles, especially on the defensive end, the coaching staff seems content with the current lineup. Each line has contributed offensively, including the fourth line, which has shown promise despite Turcotte's penalty. Assistant coach Jim Hiller highlighted the team's improved defensive performance against Colorado, stating, "We made mistakes, but defensively, we were solid."
Offensive Growth, Defensive Concerns
When comparing the Vegas game to the Colorado game, the Kings' offensive performance stood out. Players like Trevor Moore and Phillip Danault noted the team's improved skating and offensive readiness in the offensive zone. However, the defensive side of the puck remains a concern. Scoring chances against increased from 19 to 30, and high-danger chances rose from 9 to 14 between the two games.
The Golden Knights' Dominance
A key area of focus during today's practice was defending against rushes through the neutral zone. The Golden Knights exploited this area, scoring on two of their three successful rushes through the neutral zone in the third period. Assistant coach Jim Hiller described it as "concerning," emphasizing the need for better organization and connection during breakouts.
Upcoming Challenges
With Winnipeg and Minnesota on the horizon, the Kings face formidable opponents. While these teams may not possess the same offensive firepower as Colorado and Vegas, they still boast high-end offensive talent. The Kings, known for their strength in such situations, must address their defensive issues to succeed against the Jets and Wild. This area of focus will be crucial for the team's performance in the upcoming games.
Looking Ahead
The LA Kings are set to take on Winnipeg tomorrow, with an early puck drop at 12:30 PM local time. Following this, they head to Minnesota for a well-deserved evening off, a practice day on Sunday, and a Monday evening showdown against the Wild. These upcoming tests will be a true indicator of the Kings' progress and ability to address their defensive concerns.
A Thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers
Do you think the Kings' current lineup and strategy will be enough to overcome their defensive struggles? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
