From Defeat to Dominance: Kings’ Response to a 7-2 Loss

Losing is never enjoyable, but the lessons learned can be a productive way to explore improvements. For the Kings, this was particularly true after they were dominated by the San Jose Sharks, 7-2, on November 25th. Games like this, especially against a rival such as the Sharks, resonate deeply with the team and typically elicit a strong response.

Since that game, the Kings have experienced a remarkable turnaround, going 10-2-2. They have averaged 3.42 goals per game while allowing just 2.2. Their power play is operating at 20.8%, well above their average of 16.7%. Additionally, their penalty kill has been outstanding, successfully killing off 25 of the last 29 opposing power plays (86.21%). Their performance across all areas has resulted in a .714-win percentage, accumulating 22 points out of 28.

When THNLA asked Warren Foegele after dispatching the New York Rangers during their most recent road trip, he explained how the game against San Jose struck a chord with the team and their winning streak followed it. Since then, their response has kept them competitive with the league's top teams, even surpassing the red-hot Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division and trailing closely behind the even better-performing Vegas Golden Knights. If the team's character was questioned after losing to a lottery team in previous seasons, they have answered with a satisfying turnaround.

The Kings’ character is built upon their key players, who continue to deliver. Anze Kopitar, in his 37-year-old season, remains a crucial asset. Without his contributions, the Kings would not have secured wins against teams like the Flyers and would likely just be treading water instead of contending with the best in the Western Conference. While not doing it alone, Kopitar's 'right-hand man' Adrian Kempe continues to impress, even after his 35 and 41-goal seasons and a career-high in points last season. Together, they have amassed 74 points with a combined +34 rating.

Both Kopitar and Kempe have been averaging one point per game during this stretch: Kopitar has recorded 6 goals and 8 assists, earning a +8 rating, while Kempe has 7 goals and 7 assists with a +9 rating. Having two players performing at this level is crucial for a defensively strong team like the Kings that traditionally has trouble scoring. Additionally, the success of a line other than Kopitar’s has been key for the team’s recent success. The Byfield line is another key factor contributing to their current positive run of play.

Quinton Byfield's recent breakout has provided the Kings with the game-changing dynamic they have needed for over three seasons from a center not named Kopitar or Phillip Danault. The line of Byfield, Tanner Jeannot, and Foegele has been a major contributor since their recent seven-game road trip. According to Natural Stat Trick, in 109:18 of ice time together this season, this trio has outscored the opposition 11-1. If the game against Edmonton proved anything, it’s that the Kopitar/Danault combo can saw off the top players from the opposition while Byfield feasts.

The Kings have the right players leading the charge, while secondary contributors are stepping up as if they were the primary scorers. The goaltending has become consistent enough to keep the team competitive, and the defense has performed beyond expectations, especially considering they have been without their number one defenseman this season.

The team has benefitted from an 11-7 setup, which has been effective under Coach Hiller (20-4-3). These results and the setup may change once Drew Doughty returns, along with Trevor Lewis. The lineup will have to be adjusted, with many players shifting back into roles that have yet to be clearly defined for a successful transition. Maintaining success is challenging enough, especially when reinserting players into the lineup.

While the team is performing exceptionally well following their disappointing game against the Sharks, significant changes to the lineup and overall approach are likely on the horizon. This includes the anticipated return of Trevor Moore, who may bump Alex Turcotte off the top line, even though Turcotte has been thriving. The Kings will soon welcome back their top defenseman and one of their top six wingers, which is beneficial, though it might disrupt the team's current rhythm and chemistry.

So, what will happen with Turcotte when Moore returns? Will he be regulated to the 4C position to play with Lewis? Is Arthur Kaliyev destined for the press box like last season? Can Jordan Spence play alongside Vladislav Gavrikov once Doughty reclaims his spot from Mikey Anderson? What should we expect regarding reduced minutes for Brandt Clarke and Joel Edmundson?

Many questions linger, and answers will come in the middle portion of the season. How these changes affect the Kings will ultimately determine their fate by April. In the meantime, the Kings will continue to push the envelope on their current run of play.