December Schedule - Make or Break?

[Helvetica]

A quick write up here about the december gauntlet, and I have to say, i kind of agree.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/arti...ake_or_break_these_la_kings/s1_16886_36579278

Gonna be real tough to make the playoffs if they struggle this month to get points, which is a definite possibility given the level of competition they're going to face. It's also a sobering take on just how much the offensive production has continued to struggle. Personally, i think it really highlights just how bad the team is on the back end. There are definitely some gems there, but purely from a points perspective, that group has been awful. Just think if we had even one blueliner with 3-5 goals, or like (gasp) 10 whole points. Currently Edler leads the kings backend with 8 pts and no goals. Doughty has played 4 games total and still sits second on the Kings defensive unit with 7 pts, and has 1 of 2 total goals by defensemen. As a unit, they have 35 pts total (obviously almost entirely assists). I compared that to a a few teams sitting right in the middle of the standings. Columbus, Vegas, Winnipeg, Nashville... 53, 50, 45, 36 pts. respectively. Those 4 teams also have 16, 15, 7, 9 (mostly carried by Josi w/ 7)goals. If the Kings could get, even middle of the road production from their backend, that's probably going to turn at least 3-4 losses into wins this season. That would vault the Kings into the top10 in league standings, and 3rd in the pacific, one point behind the oilers.

I still believe this team's forward unit is basically carrying the team right now. When they're on, they shelter the D with strong possession, and if they can score 2-3 goals, they win. If the forward group struggles with possession, and/or is unable to capitalize on it's chances (they still get a ton of chances even when they lose), then the team loses. It's that simple. The team desperately needs an upgrade on the back end. It will be really interesting to see what Doughty is capable of upon his return.

And finally, im not sure where he's going to find it, because it doesnt seem like there's anybody available, but Blake needs to work some absolute ****ing magic and find this team somebody that can facilitate offense from the blue line. Im not sure it's reasonable to expect Durzi (or Clague for that matter) to rectify the Kings woes on the backend. I don't think there's anything more important right now, than upgrading the blueline.

 

[Greg33]

First! Break.

now I'll read the post...

edit: It's hard to believe that a puck moving offensive minded HoF defenseman is and has been the GM for going on 5 years

 

[DryKing]

A quick write up here about the december gauntlet, and I have to say, i kind of agree.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/arti...ake_or_break_these_la_kings/s1_16886_36579278

Gonna be real tough to make the playoffs if they struggle this month to get points, which is a definite possibility given the level of competition they're going to face. It's also a sobering take on just how much the offensive production has continued to struggle. Personally, i think it really highlights just how bad the team is on the back end. There are definitely some gems there, but purely from a points perspective, that group has been awful. Just think if we had even one blueliner with 3-5 goals, or like (gasp) 10 whole points. Currently Edler leads the kings backend with 8 pts and no goals. Doughty has played 4 games total and still sits second on the Kings defensive unit with 7 pts, and has 1 of 2 total goals by defensemen. As a unit, they have 35 pts total (obviously almost entirely assists). I compared that to a a few teams sitting right in the middle of the standings. Columbus, Vegas, Winnipeg, Nashville... 53, 50, 45, 36 pts. respectively. Those 4 teams also have 16, 15, 7, 9 (mostly carried by Josi w/ 7)goals. If the Kings could get, even middle of the road production from their backend, that's probably going to turn at least 3-4 losses into wins this season. That would vault the Kings into the top10 in league standings, and 3rd in the pacific, one point behind the oilers.

I still believe this team's forward unit is basically carrying the team right now. When they're on, they shelter the D with strong possession, and if they can score 2-3 goals, they win. If the forward group struggles with possession, and/or is unable to capitalize on it's chances (they still get a ton of chances even when they lose), then the team loses. It's that simple. The team desperately needs an upgrade on the back end. It will be really interesting to see what Doughty is capable of upon his return.

And finally, im not sure where he's going to find it, because it doesnt seem like there's anybody available, but Blake needs to work some absolute ****ing magic and find this team somebody that can facilitate offense from the blue line. Im not sure it's reasonable to expect Durzi (or Clague for that matter) to rectify the Kings woes on the backend. I don't think there's anything more important right now, than upgrading the blueline.

Great callout. We have been above average this season in regards to goals against, but a lot of that comes down to the defensive play of our forwards along with a much stronger neutral zone presence. Right now it feels like the Kings prize the 2-way game at the expense of offensive specialists (Arvidsson and Kaliyev being the potential exceptions) which speaks to the lower confidence the team has in their defensive corps.

The good news is that if Clarke continues to play like he has this season he will likely be ready to join the Kings next season and Durzi is likely to keep getting better (it's crazy how much he has progressed over the last 3 seasons). Between the two, as well as Doughty and Walker, the Kings should be in a much better place next season. My hope, if the Kings do add a defenseman, is they are able to add a young/mid, good skating, stay at home physical presence on the blue line to allow our defensemen with offensive instincts to take advantage of them and more frequently join the rush. Then we need to hope that Grans and Faber pan out and are able to join the team full time within the next 2-3 seasons.

 

[Ice24]

They won't make the playoffs nor were they expected to at the beginning of the season so there is no make or break this Dec. Next season they have to improve but not yet a playoff team. The season after next they better compete for a playoff spot.

 

[Greg33]

They won't make the playoffs nor were they expected to at the beginning of the season so there is no make or break this Dec. Next season they have to improve but not yet a playoff team. The season after next they better compete for a playoff spot.

So true, true, very true.

But the guy(s) who said they would should either be looking for new work or just stick to surfing

 

[Helvetica]

They won't make the playoffs nor were they expected to at the beginning of the season so there is no make or break this Dec. Next season they have to improve but not yet a playoff team. The season after next they better compete for a playoff spot.

I mean, whether you expected them to make the playoffs or not is sort of irrelevant. They are currently still in a position to grab a final spot, but that all hinges on what they do this month. If they can stay at .500 over december, then their chances of grabbing an 8 seed are definitely a possibility. If they lose to every team that's favored above them, it's pretty much over.

 

[Helvetica]

Great callout. We have been above average this season in regards to goals against, but a lot of that comes down to the defensive play of our forwards along with a much stronger neutral zone presence. Right now it feels like the Kings prize the 2-way game at the expense of offensive specialists (Arvidsson and Kaliyev being the potential exceptions) which speaks to the lower confidence the team has in their defensive corps.

I think a stronger defensive unit facilitates more scoring from everyone. Right now, opponents can focus more on defending the forward group. Additionally, there is less support and less playmaking by the defensive unit while in transition and the offensive zone. Rising tides and all that...

 

[gokor84]

I think a stronger defensive unit facilitates more scoring from everyone. Right now, opponents can focus more on defending the forward group. Additionally, there is less support and less playmaking by the defensive unit while in transition and the offensive zone. Rising tides and all that...

This 1000 times. I have not seen a Kings Defenseman jump back door /weak side to score a goal in like ages. They are planted on Blue line in the O zone, even when the opposition forwards collapse down low. Our D not able to skate it out of our zone is another big issue.

 

[Moog]

They won't make the playoffs nor were they expected to at the beginning of the season so there is no make or break this Dec. Next season they have to improve but not yet a playoff team. The season after next they better compete for a playoff spot.

The President of the LA Kings, Luc Robitaille, recently joined “The Point” on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. Here is some of what he had to say.

“That’s our goal, everything we’ve been doing for the last few years, being ultra patient and accumulating great young players and young assets and so forth to build our team and to give us a chance to win the Cup in the future, but the only way you really learn to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is you have to play in the playoffs, so that’s our goal is to get in there.”

This was a very telling response from LA Kings President Luc Robitaille when asked by host Dave McCarthy if the Kings could be a playoff team this season.

With that quote, Robitaille confirmed that the Kings are no longer content to be a lottery team and instead are focused on emerging from the rebuild and becoming a Stanley Cup contender once again.

https://hockeyroyalty.com/2021/07/31/la-kings-president-luc-robitaille-discusses-teams-future/

A) Team president straight up telling lies?
B) GM selling crap to the president, when the GM knows better?
C) Danny B and AEG don't care, as long as whatever they say keeps fans spending their money on tickets, and bad looking jersey/merch?

Circle the correct answer: A B C All of the above

 

[santiclaws]

And it's not just that the D is not scoring, they really don't have the capacity to carry the puck or give passes which lead to chances. Of course, if they could do those things they'd be getting points. The D was thin and not very good to begin with, so two key injuries to the two most offensive defensemen just really made a glaring issue worse.

Durzi came in and has just looked so different from the rest of the Kings' D by actually jumping into the play and looking to make something happen. If he continues to do so and Doughty comes back and plays like he did at the beginning of the season, and Arvidsson finally starts putting the puck in the net with some regularity, they may be OK in December. But that's a lot of things the Kings need to go right and the odds are not in their favor. If you're not in playoff position at Thanksgiving, you do not make the playoffs something like 80-90% of the time. So....

 

[Ice24]

I mean, whether you expected them to make the playoffs or not is sort of irrelevant. They are currently still in a position to grab a final spot, but that all hinges on what they do this month. If they can stay at .500 over december, then their chances of grabbing an 8 seed are definitely a possibility. If they lose to every team that's favored above them, it's pretty much over.

The Kings are streaky so they will win another 3 in a row at some point and that will make the Kings fans feel they are on the cusp; however, they will more often drop 4 or 5 in row. A few players have shown heart this past month, Grundstrom, Lizotte and Lemieux, however they are about to lose one for a while and that will hurt them immensely. That line is what propels this team and without them they are dull and unmotivated. To your point, those teams that are ahead of them will be tough to beat.

Now the month of December is usually when the Kings tend to fold. Unless teams play down to the Kings which could happen, the Kings are in a bit of trouble. Beating Ottawa, the worst team in the league is not really stopping a losing streak. Let's see how they play tonight against a good Ducks team. Or will this be the start of another losing streak? The next 12 games will be brutal for the Kings. Most of the teams are all ahead in the standings. I believe Vancouver is the only team that is below the Kings.

 

[Helvetica]

If you're not in playoff position at Thanksgiving, you do not make the playoffs something like 80-90% of the time. So....

I think the one reason to be optimistic here is that there's only 4 pts separating those middle 4 teams in the pacific. On the other hand, Ducks and SJ definitely have an easier december schedule. Keys for the Kings are beat the teams you should beat, and then do well in division matchups against Ducks and Vegas.

 

[Ice24]

To say the least, this month of Dec will be interesting. Will Arvidsson finally step up? Will somebody else step up? If not, this will be a long warm December. I'm still rooting for these Kings!

 

[What party?]

Everyone has a valid point about upgrading defensively but no one has mention possibly, maybe, sort of looking for another goalie? Just for funsies. I just started watching other teams play this week so I had not seen the gap in talent, sheesh, my hope is that after December we don't look like that Buffalo/Seattle game last night for the rest of the season.

 

[Helvetica]

Everyone has a valid point about upgrading defensively but no one has mention possibly, maybe, sort of looking for another goalie? Just for funsies. I just started watching other teams play this week so I had not seen the gap in talent, sheesh, my hope is that after December we don't look like that Buffalo/Seattle game last night for the rest of the season.

I dont know what to make of Cal right now, but Quick, at least, is having a decent season. And again, i think bolstering the defensive unit would inevitably benefit both the forward group and the goalies. Not saying we cant improve in net, but i think that has to take a back seat to solidifying the defense.

 

[What party?]

I dont know what to make of Cal right now, but Quick, at least, is having a decent season. And again, i think bolstering the defensive unit would inevitably benefit both the forward group and the goalies. Not saying we cant improve in net, but i think that has to take a back seat to solidifying the defense.

 

[hokiecat]

I dont know what to make of Cal right now, but Quick, at least, is having a decent season. And again, i think bolstering the defensive unit would inevitably benefit both the forward group and the goalies. Not saying we cant improve in net, but i think that has to take a back seat to solidifying the defense.

Agree. Quick and Cal are not the weakest links on this roster. The defense is a work in progress.

Doughty is Doughty. We have 1 guy we can rely on. Edler is old and kind of slow but respectable. He's been a good pickup. Durzi is something we've needed for a long time. His ability to generate offense from the blueline is something none of the other players (even Doughty) can provide. His defense is not great so he'll keep both teams in the game but it is refreshing to see a puck mover on the blue line. He'll be one of those guys where you just hope he has few enough defensive mistakes that he doesn't cost too many games. Roy has decent fancy stats and eats up a lot of minutes but I'm still not sold. His offensive numbers are really bad. Mike and Toby are still growing. They looked great during the Canada road trip but have regressed a bunch since then. Maatta is terrible. Walker gets an incomplete but he wasn't playing up to his salary.

I really like what the Kings are doing though. We're not a playoff team so go with a youth movement on the blueline and see what you have in the system. Determine which guys are keepers and which can be moved to let guys like Clarke and Faber get their NHL feet wet.

 

[jammer06]

If Durzi continues this progression....which has been alarmingly amazing and therefore buyer beware....Roy has to be the odd man out right? They wouldn't be foolish enough to do anything silly with Toby and Mikey. Walker's damaged goods and nobody is taking Maata.

But yeah this month needs massive help from forwards getting loose and causing issues.

 

[Helvetica]

The defense is a work in progress...
I really like what the Kings are doing though. We're not a playoff team so go with a youth movement on the blueline and see what you have in the system. Determine which guys are keepers and which can be moved to let guys like Clarke and Faber get their NHL feet wet.

While I agree, i still think it would be a huge mistake to not try and acquire an established defenseman asap. A top 4 guy at minimum. Edler has played admirably, but isnt likely to be around much longer. Matta needs to go. Roy needs to be bumped down to bottom pair. We simply don't know enough about our younger defensive prospects to rely on them jumping in immediately. We hope they can jump in to some degree next season, but i think a team with Clarke AND Faber playing regular minutes in the NHL is a team is essentially backsliding.

 

[What party?]

Welp, this issue probably requires more than a gif answer so I'll elaborate. First and foremost I get that I'm that B. I get defensive when people clown Brown (sorry) and I don't think we have anyone who can finish in our top 6 so I want Kempe and Villardi packaged to get someone who can, like today. Total villain of this story. Acknowledged.

Now, everyone is saying that Blake can't find anyone (immediately)to upgrade our defense through trades or free agency signing, yes? But we are lacking in this area, yes? Quagmire. So, I'm saying we see that goaltending, although not a pressing need now, will be soon; let's be proactive and get in front of it.

Especially if talent is out there and we still have Ranford (do we? crap) as a coach.

Staying on brand: Jon, at his age is an epic sneezing fit away from re-injuring his back. The Kings are on borrowed time.

[Disney villain laughing gif]