Kings Aim to Dominate Homestand After Challenging Road Trip

The Kings have played 26 games on the road this season, compared to just 17 at home. They have excelled at home, boasting the best home record in the league at 14-2-1. However, their performance on the road has seen more games ending with losses, with a record of 11-11-4.

During their recent five-game road trip, the Kings' offensive production took a significant hit. They scored a total of 10 goals, averaging just 2 goals per game. If we discount the strong game against Vancouver, where they dominated 5-1, their overall performance drops to just 5 goals in four games. The trip concluded with a loss to the Kraken, where they scored only one even-strength goal, although they did manage a rare road-executed power play.

Several concerns have emerged from this trip. Quinton Byfield had a breakout performance during the previous seven-game road trip while playing alongside Tanner Jeannot and Warren Foegele. However, since returning home, he has been utilized primarily for his size and defensive capabilities, which has limited his offensive output to just one assist and a -3 rating over the last five games.

As a result, the responsibility for generating offense has shifted to Anze Kopitar and Phillip Danault. The Kopitar line was able to dominate against Vancouver, taking advantage of the Canucks, who have struggled overall this season. Meanwhile, the Danault line could not keep pace throughout the trip, while Kopitar and Byfield faced tougher matchups.

This issue does not solely rest with Danault; the focus is mainly on Kevin Fiala, the team's highest-paid forward. Fiala has struggled to secure a place on the top line as an option, not being able to play alongside Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. As a game-breaker, he has also been unable to capitalize on easier matchups, creating an increasingly worrisome situation for the Kings, especially since he has a full no-move clause.

Fortunately, the Kings are back home, where they have been dominant. Management hopes Fiala will have a strong second half of the season, which will be essential for the Kings to keep pace with teams like Vegas and Edmonton. They are also anticipating the return of Drew Doughty, who is expected to practice with the team this week.

Doughty's return and the potential impact of his LTIR money will likely reshape the lineup and roster for the remainder of the season.

As the Kings prepare to face Pittsburgh and Florida before embarking on another five-game road trip, accumulating points will be crucial since Calgary and Vancouver are closing in on them in the standings.