Kings in the Playoff Hunt: A Crucial NHL Stretch Looms

The Los Angeles Kings wrapped up their second seven-game road trip of the season with the exact same record as their first: 3-2-2. However, the final four games of this trip, where they went 1-1-2, have sparked concerns over a slight but impactful point-slide.

This stumble couldn’t have come at a worse time. Once knocking on the door to surpass the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division, the Kings now find themselves third, trailing behind the surging Edmonton Oilers. Both the Oilers and Golden Knights have been among the hottest teams in the NHL, posting identical 8-2-0 records in their last 10 games.

Tight Races and Big Opportunities

Adding to the pressure, the Vancouver Canucks, despite their struggles, are now just two points behind the Kings. Yet, the Kings have a golden opportunity to regain momentum in their next big matchup: a showdown against the Oilers on Saturday.

This game carries extra weight, as a win could position the Kings to leapfrog the Oilers shortly after the holiday break. But there’s a catch: the Oilers are gaining strength, buoyed by the return of Viktor Arvidsson—a former King. Arvidsson made an immediate impact in Edmonton’s recent 3-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators, scoring off a dazzling setup from Connor McDavid.

Meanwhile, McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers’ dynamic duo, continue to dominate, producing numbers that are nothing short of otherworldly.

Kings’ Injury Woes

While the Oilers are surging, the Kings face mounting injuries. Star defenseman Drew Doughty is sidelined until January, and the team is also missing key players Trevor Moore, Trevor Lewis, and Phillip Danault—the latter’s absence was a last-minute surprise during their recent game against the Washington Capitals.

The Kings’ lineup struggles come at a pivotal time in the season. While it’s still too early to obsess over standings, this situation underscores their historical challenges in the Pacific Division. Finishing second or third often leads to a dreaded first-round matchup against the Oilers—a team that has eliminated the Kings in three consecutive postseasons.

Avoiding a fourth showdown with the Oilers is ideal, but the Kings ultimately control their destiny, regardless of their lineup’s state.

Bright Spots Amid the Challenges

The eventual return of Drew Doughty promises a significant boost to the team. Despite his absence, the Kings have maintained a respectable 19-10-5 record. Their defence, while theoretically shaky, has emerged as one of the most effective units in the NHL.

This success stems in part from the growth of young talents like Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence, who have stepped up in Doughty’s absence. These rising stars have proven capable of handling tough minutes, a skill set that will only improve with Doughty back in the fold.

Offensively, the emergence of Alex Turcotte and Alex Laferriere has also been a bright spot. Laferriere shattered his previous scoring record with 12 goals this season and has even shown versatility by playing centre during Danault’s absence. Meanwhile, Turcotte has solidified his place as a top-line winger alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, forming a trio that could define the next phase of his career.

A Pivotal Stretch Ahead

The path forward for the Kings is anything but easy. Without additional firepower, they aren’t yet viewed as a legitimate long-term threat to win the Stanley Cup. Complicating matters are the exceptional performances of the two teams above them in the division and the looming resurgence of the Canucks.

As the Kings enter the holiday break, they find themselves in a precarious position. Their upcoming matchups against divisional rivals will be critical to watch as the season unfolds.

Stay tuned! The Kings’ battle for playoff positioning is heating up, and their fate could hinge on these next few games.