Kings Stick to 11-7 Strategy

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. These wise words are particularly relevant to Coach Jim Hiller's approach to deploying his lineup. The 11-7 setup has been bittersweet in many ways, as players who have returned healthy are left with watching games from the press box. However, Hiller's strategy has worked exceptionally well at home, evidenced by their impressive 11-2-1 record, which is one of the best in the league. Their two regulation losses are a league-low.

Arthur Kaliyev, recently activated to the main roster after a conditioning stint with the AHL's Ontario Reign, hasn't been "lighting it up," as Hiller noted, but he has been playing well. Kaliyev missed game time over the last two seasons even when healthy, mainly because the Kings opted for the 11-7 setup to remain competitive in the tough Western Conference.

With a 19-4-3 record under Hiller with the 11-7, there's a strong desire to keep this successful formula going, so it's not surprising that Kaliyev remains an option but will likely continue to sit as the Kings get back into rhythm following their longest break of the season. As previously discussed, there isn't a clear place for Kaliyev in the lineup since, when healthy, it becomes a challenging landscape for him.

The top line, which has been adjusted over the season, has found a groove with the up-and-coming Alex Turcotte on the wing next to stalwart captain Anze Kopitar and the consistently impressive Adrian Kempe. Phillip Danault has emerged as the only reliable partner for Kevin Fiala, while Alex Laferriere has surprised many as a secondary scoring threat at even strength. After the victory against the Edmonton Oilers, it's clear that the combination of Tanner Jeannot, Quinton Byfield, and Warren Foegele is likely to stay intact. Byfield and Foegele were on the ice for all four of the Kings' goals in their first overtime win of the season, contributing directly to the success.

That leaves Samuel Helenius, Akil Thomas, Andree Lee, and Trevor Lewis (when healthy) in the mix. This raises the question: Should Kaliyev be relegated to the fourth line, affecting the 11-7 setup?

Before the Edmonton game, Hiller commented that the decision is "not on the player," emphasizing that the team has performed well using the 11-7 arrangement. It's hard to argue with the results, particularly considering how difficult it might be for Kaliyev to find a spot once Trevor Moore comes off injured reserve. Hiller described Moore's return as "procedural," noting that he is still day-to-day after being out for nearly two weeks.

Moore is likely to replace Turcotte on the top line, although analytics and a history of successful prospect development would suggest that this could be a mistake. If so, might Turcotte return to center with Lewis and Kaliyev? The situation would become more apparent if the Kings could find a partner to make a potential trade from their current position of strength. However, despite his strong finishing ability, Kaliyev has yet to prove himself as a consistent NHL performer.

In the meantime, Kaliyev will be waiting on the sidelines while the Kings make the most of their 11-7 setup to stay competitive in the Pacific Division. A .730 winning percentage is excellent and has the potential to propel this team into new territory. However, players like Lewis, rather than Kaliyev, will likely be guaranteed a return to the lineup when healthy.