トップ > ニュース一覧 > 記事
Kings Stuck in Neutral as Cup Wins Fade From Viewン

Kings Stuck in Neutral as Cup Wins Fade From View

© Matt Marton-Imagn Images
© Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Kings have not won a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014. And as thrilling as Alec Martinez’s OT game-winner was for Kings fans, it took place almost 11 years ago.

In many NHL markets, a decade without a playoff series win would set off alarm bells and maybe cost people a few jobs. LA’s ownership group, however, has shown a ton of patience with the front office, and in turn, management has passed on this patience to its veteran core.

Franchise legends like Dustin Brown, Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, and Jonathan Quick were afforded multiple shots at winning a third Stanley Cup but could never reconjure the magic of 2012 and 2014.

During last summer’s exit interview press conference, club president Luc Robitaille likened the organization to a “big family.” This is, of course, a notion that everyone can understand. We may have disagreements in our family, but we remain loyal. In many respects, loyalty is a true virtue. It can be highly commendable to display loyalty, but is it conducive to winning in the NHL? Unfortunately, loyalty can create blind spots that hinder one’s ability to see things as they are.

For those who care to look at things head-on, the state of the LA Kings is far from rosy. Although general manager Rob Blake and Robitaille talked about adding to the team to get them to the next level, the Kings are regressing. As of this writing, the Kings have scored just 165 goals. Only Calgary, San Jose, and Anaheim have scored fewer goals. At the end of last season, LA ranked 16th in scoring at 3.10 GF/G. Contrast that with their current position this season: 22nd in the league at 2.81 GF/G.

Last year’s team finished 11th in the NHL on the power play at 22.6%. So far this season, they sit 30th overall, at 15.2%. How about their road record? Last year: 22-15-4. This year so far: 12-17-5. Even with the rosiest of rose-colored glasses, this is not trending like a team that can finally vanquish their one-sided nemesis, the Edmonton Oilers.

While it’s true that LA still plays a very stingy brand of defense, allowing only 159 goals so far this year, good for second only to Dallas (155) in the Western Conference, they still can’t score. Is there any reason to believe this team can win 2-1 16 times in April, May, and June? The bottom line is that the Kings don’t have the firepower to win a series against the likes of Vegas, Edmonton, or Winnipeg. Adrian Kempe, LA’s leading scorer, is 54th in the league in scoring. Captain Anze Kopitar, 59th. No disrespect to them, but how does that match up with McDavid, Draisaitl, and Eichel come playoff time?

To be blunt, it doesn’t. The LA Kings must let go of the past and evolve to today’s game. Scoring goals is the only real currency in this league, and the current configuration of this proud franchise simply cannot compete with the true heavyweights in the Western Conference.

Hopefully, this family will have a tough talk and do what is necessary to change this team's trajectory.

続きを読む

Advertisement

Advertisement

あなたにおすすめ
Vedanta Creditors Meet Tuesday to Vote on India Demerger Plan
Vedanta Creditors Meet Tuesday to Vote on India Demerger Plan
(Bloomberg) -- Follow Bloomberg India on WhatsApp for exclusive content and analysis on what billionaires, businesses and markets are doing. Sign up here.
Delaware bill would limit investor lawsuits as companies threaten to leave the state
Delaware bill would limit investor lawsuits as companies threaten to leave the state
By Tom Hals
Kyle Richards and Estranged Husband Mauricio Umansky Awkwardly Address Photos of Him Kissing Another Woman
Kyle Richards and Estranged Husband Mauricio Umansky Awkwardly Address Photos of Him Kissing Another Woman
Jesse Grant/Getty

Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump Foresees ‘A Little Disturbance’ as He Vows to Expand Trade War in Speech to Congress
Trump Foresees ‘A Little Disturbance’ as He Vows to Expand Trade War in Speech to Congress
President Trump told Congress Tuesday he expects “a little disturbance” as he broadens his trade war, less than a day after imposing 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.
Notre Dame dismantles No. 11 Duke in first game as nation's No. 1 team
Notre Dame dismantles No. 11 Duke in first game as nation's No. 1 team
Notre Dame went into Monday's game against Duke ranked as the nation's No. 1 team for the first time this season.
Charlie Sheen's daughter Sami 'bullied' for looking like her dad
Charlie Sheen's daughter Sami 'bullied' for looking like her dad
Charlie Sheen's daughter Sami Sheen was bullied for looking like her famous father. Sami, 20, has admitted the cruel taunts about her appearance from her school mates convinced her she needed to get a nose job and she's also had to deal with comparisons to her actress mother Denise Richards. Speaking to her mom in an episode of family reality show 'Denise Richards and Her Wild Things', Sami explained: "I had to deal with kids bullying me. "People would say I looked like my dad. I actually got a comment the other day of someone saying, ‘You’ll never be as pretty as your mom'." The episode showed Denise driving her daughter to a consultation with a doctor about her planned rhinoplasty prior to the surgery in August and Sami told her mother she had wanted the operation "for as long as [I] can remember", adding: "I have this freaking honker stuck to my face". Sami also pointed to her mom's face as the example of a "perfect" nose as she explained her hope for the surgery to the doctor. Later in the episode, Denise - who is mom to Sami as well as 19-year-old Lola with her ex-husband Charlie- became tearful as she talked about her daughter's desire to go under the knife. She said: "For my daughter to want to get her nose done, it made me so sad. I feel bad that she has to live up to my nose, or whatever, because I don’t want [my daughters] to feel they have to look a certain way ... "There were times I wanted to move the kids out of LA, and I couldn’t because of where I worked. And they had two parents in this business. I feel bad." However, in a confessional, Sami wondered if she would even be considering cosmetic surgery if she wasn't living the celebrity lifestyle in Los Angeles. She said: "I'm really trying to think if we lived in, like, Alabama and I worked a normal job and I wasn't on social media. I probably would still want a nose job."

Advertisement

アクセスランキング
Music Industry Moves: Andrew Klein Named President of Global Partnerships at AEG; Warner Chappell Ups Gabz Landman
AEG Presents has upped Andrew Klein, who previously held the title of senior vice president of global partnerships, to president of global partnerships.
Music Industry Moves: Andrew Klein Named President of Global Partnerships at AEG; Warner Chappell Ups Gabz Landman
Justin Baldoni's lawyer 'surprised by Ryan Reynolds' joke'
Justin Baldoni's lawyer was "surprised" to see Ryan Reynolds joke about his client's ongoing lawsuit. The 48-year-old actor seemingly referenced Justin's legal dispute with Blake Lively, Ryan's wife, during the 'SNL50: The Anniversary Special' over the weekend, and Bryan Freedman, Justin's attorney, has now questioned Ryan's decision to joke about the lawsuit. Appearing on 'Hot Mics with Billy Bush', Bryan said: "I'm unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation. I can't think of anyone who's done anything like that. It surprised me." During the show, Ryan - who was sat among the audience - was asked: "How's it going?" And in response, the Hollywood star replied: "Great, why? What have you heard?" The joke was widely considered to be a reference to Blake's ongoing legal dispute with Justin. The 37-year-old actress has accused Justin, 41, of causing her "severe emotional distress". The movie star - who played Justin's on-screen love interest in 'It Ends with Us' - previously told the New York Times newspaper: "I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted." Justin - who also directed the 2024 romantic drama film - later denied the allegations, with his lawyer describing the claims as "categorically false". Bryan, who is acting as a lawyer for the actor and his Wayfarer Studios production company, told Variety: "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media."
Justin Baldoni's lawyer 'surprised by Ryan Reynolds' joke'
Dwyane Wade feels 'strong and healthy' after cancer battle
Dwyane Wade feels "strong" and "healthy" after his battle with cancer. The 43-year-old former basketball star - who is married to actress Gabrielle Union - had a cancerous tumor removed from his kidney in December 2023 and he's now explained he's "free" of the disease almost two years after his shock diagnosis. During an appearance on 'Today with Jenna and Friends', he said: "It was cancer [but] it was only Stage 1. "Thank God that we caught it early. Now I’m back. I’m strong, I’m healthy. I feel great. I’m just a little more cautious ... "[I'm taking more time to] look around and really smell the moments in life [and] appreciate it all just a little bit more. I feel like one of the lucky ones. I’m cancer free." During the interview, Dwayne explained he initially saw a doctor as a precaution because both his father and grandfather had been diagnosed with prostate cancer - and he was blindsided by the results of the tests. He said: "I just started to be like, okay, well this is probably a part of my genetics and my history, let me go get checked out. When I turned 40, I went into the doctor and I was like: ‘Listen, I want to know everything.’ And in the midst of that, I was like: ‘Here are a few things that I’ve been feeling' ... "I got a call from my doctor and in the midst of that call, you could just hear her uncertainty. They thought they saw something on my kidney. They were like: ‘Well, we don’t know if it’s cancerous, but there’s something on there'." He went on to have surgery to remove the mass and Dwayne struggled with the idea of feeling "weak" - and he didn't want his wife to see him post-op. The former sports star said: "No one has ever really experienced me being weak. "I’ve always been the strong one, the most confident one, the world champion that has lifted the trophies over his head. That’s the image, but this was a moment where I knew I was going to be uncertain and a little weak ... "Once I came out of surgery, it was a pain that I had never felt before ... [I was] most afraid of being that vulnerable [in front of my wife}. "It sounds crazy because those are supposed to be the ones you want to be there in those moments of weakness ... but you don’t want them to see you in that space." It comes after Gabrielle previously admitted her husband's cancer journey had been a "challenge". Appearing on 'The View', the 'Bring It On' actress was admitted it took her "a while" to come to terms with his diagnosis, and her mind immediately went to the "absolute worse-case". She added: "You hear cancer [and] you're paralyzed because you think of the absolute worst-case scenario. "I've had so many friends who are cancer survivors. I didn't go there; I went to 'he's gone.' " She also revealed her husband decided not to share the diagnosis with the family for some time. She explained: "He didn't tell everybody. He didn't even tell our whole family. He really wanted this to be very under the radar. He didn't tell anyone."
Dwyane Wade feels 'strong and healthy' after cancer battle
Will Smith Makes Haunting Revelation About His Eerie Connection to Biggie and Prince's Deaths
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty; Larry Busacca/WireImage; Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Will Smith Makes Haunting Revelation About His Eerie Connection to Biggie and Prince's Deaths
Democratic Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber after disrupting Trump's address to Congress
Democratic Rep. Al Green was removed from the House chamber during President Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night.
Democratic Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber after disrupting Trump's address to Congress
Construction set to begin this summer on disability arts hub
After seven years of work to secure a suitable permanent home in Calgary for Canada's largest organization for artists with disabilities, plans for a new facility for the group were unveiled on Tuesday.
Construction set to begin this summer on disability arts hub
How to Apply for Teaching Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a certified teacher is a rewarding and impactful career choice, allowing you to shape the minds of future generations. The process of applying for a teaching certification can vary depending on your location and the level of education you wish to teach. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the steps to apply for teaching certification. Find out through the following options.
How to Apply for Teaching Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide
Suncor Energy, Imperial Oil are top picks as Trump risk looms over Canadian energy stocks
Canada’s largest oil and gas producers are due to begin reporting fourth-quarter financial results this week. Analysts say U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats will be an ominous distraction from the industry’s solid performance in the final months of 2024.
Suncor Energy, Imperial Oil are top picks as Trump risk looms over Canadian energy stocks
Mike Ferguson, Twana Barnett to Lead ‘Last Hit’ for RadCin
Actors Mike Ferguson and Twana Barnett have joined the cast of “Last Hit,” a new action thriller that also stars Joe Davison, who appeared in the second season of “Stranger Things,” and Levee Duplay, who was in “The Tailor of Sin City.”
Mike Ferguson, Twana Barnett to Lead ‘Last Hit’ for RadCin
Hedge Funds Help Drive Record Growth in Dubai Financial District
(Bloomberg) -- Dubai’s financial district reported a record 25% increase in company registrations last year, helped in part to by a continuing influx of hedge funds that’s transformed the city into an emerging hub for the sector.
Hedge Funds Help Drive Record Growth in Dubai Financial District
Global Air Quality Crisis: Just Seven Nations Achieve WHO Standards in 2024
By David Stanway
Global Air Quality Crisis: Just Seven Nations Achieve WHO Standards in 2024
Dollar firms, Aussie steady after RBA's 'hawkish' rate cut
By Ankur Banerjee
Dollar firms, Aussie steady after RBA's 'hawkish' rate cut
From Exotic to Everyday: People Recall Foods That Were Once Rare But Now Commonplace
As the times have changed, the kinds of foods that we have readily available have expanded exponentially. From being able to buy certain fruits and vegetables year-round to being exposed to foods from other cultures, older adults on Reddit shared the foods that they once thought of as very special and exotic that you can get in any supermarket now, and it's pretty darn eye-opening. Here are some of the top comments:
From Exotic to Everyday: People Recall Foods That Were Once Rare But Now Commonplace
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Recap: Meet the White Tiger
All it takes is a fellow vigilante to get Matt Murdock back into action–unofficially, that is, and not yet in his firetruck red suit. The second episode of the Disney+ series Daredevil: Born Again starts out very much like a legal procedural. Nothing to see here! No crazy violence or anything. Just a regular crime show, like Law & Order: MCU.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Recap: Meet the White Tiger
Vandalism, weak sales hit Tesla in Australia and New Zealand
By Christine Chen and Alasdair Pal
Vandalism, weak sales hit Tesla in Australia and New Zealand
What a sixth Bank of Canada interest rate cut could mean for mortgages as tariffs loom
A series of five consecutive Bank of Canada (BoC) interest rate cuts through 2024 has offered some relief to mortgage holders and at least a flicker of movement in the housing market, but U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threat might blunt the effects of today's rate reduction on household budgets.
What a sixth Bank of Canada interest rate cut could mean for mortgages as tariffs loom
Jennifer Hudson Hit in the Face by a Ball While Sitting Courtside at Knicks Game
Todd Williamson/NBC/NBC via Getty
Jennifer Hudson Hit in the Face by a Ball While Sitting Courtside at Knicks Game
🏆 Cruz Azul, Tigres, LAFC book Champions Cup quarter-final passage
A handful of Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 ties were settled Tuesday evening, and there was plenty of drama on offer.
🏆 Cruz Azul, Tigres, LAFC book Champions Cup quarter-final passage
Wintry cocktail could mean 5-10+ cm of snow in parts of Manitoba, NW Ontario
An ugly mess of weather is on the way for portions of Manitoba and northern Ontario as we head into the weekend, all thanks to a powerful Colorado low lifting north.
Wintry cocktail could mean 5-10+ cm of snow in parts of Manitoba, NW Ontario
Andrei Kuzmenko's Debut Brings New Energy into the LA Kings
The Los Angeles Kings increased their forward depth at the NHL Trade Deadline by bringing on Andrei Kuzmenko. Kuzmenko's ability to attack the open ice brings some new energy to the LA offense.
Andrei Kuzmenko's Debut Brings New Energy into the LA Kings

Advertisement