When the Kings dismissed Coach Todd McLellan, General Manager Rob Blake emphasized that the team’s focus had shifted to delivering results.
Since then, the team has been thriving. Under the leadership of the recently promoted Jim Hiller, the Kings have secured victories in four out of their last five games and have emerged victorious in five out of six matches overall, starting from McLellan’s departure on Jan. 31. This successful streak has alleviated some pressure on Blake, especially leading up to the upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team that recently parted ways with their general manager, Jarmo Kekäläinen.
The Kings have shown resilience on both a large scale – bouncing back from a slump where they lost 14 out of 16 games to winning five of their last six matches – and on a smaller scale, fighting back from deficits in the third period and overcoming two final-frame challenges.
Brandt Clarke’s game-winning goal, which compensated for his earlier overtime penalty against the Bruins, and Adrian Kempe’s two crucial third-period goals, including a shorthanded winner against the Penguins, have been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. Kempe has notably excelled against the Penguins, averaging more than a point per game in his career, including seven goals in their last three encounters.
Despite winning several games by narrow margins, including one decided by an empty-net goal, and another victory that lacked strong analytical support, the Kings understand the importance of accumulating points as they navigate through the demanding stretch of the season. Their recent performances have not only yielded positive results but have also showcased a marked improvement in their overall demeanor.
Kempe expressed the team’s growing confidence, highlighting their ability to win close games and demonstrate resilience, especially following a lackluster performance against Buffalo. The team’s success in tight games contrasts with their struggles before the All-Star break, where they often fell short in overtime matchups. The current positive momentum has been a welcome change for the Kings.
In addition to the team’s consecutive comeback victories, both of their goalies secured wins during the back-to-back games. Cam Talbot’s solid performance against the Penguins, where he allowed just one goal, marked his first win since late December. The defensive effort in front of Talbot, particularly notable for their shot-blocking prowess, has been commendable and reminiscent of their strong showing in Hiller’s debut as head coach.
Looking ahead to the upcoming game against Columbus, the Kings will face a team that has struggled defensively throughout the season, conceding a high number of goals per game. Columbus’ challenges extend to their penalty kill, power play, and faceoff percentage, all of which rank near the bottom of the league.
Both Columbus and Los Angeles have experienced ups and downs, particularly concerning their respective $68 million acquisitions. Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Kings, who recently signed an eight-year contract, has shown improvement with four points in five games post-coaching transition. On the other hand, Columbus’ Johnny Gaudreau, who signed a lucrative deal two years ago, has rebounded from a rough patch and enters the upcoming game on a hot streak, tallying five points in three games since the break.
Despite leading Columbus in points, Gaudreau’s 37-point total is among the lowest for a team leader in the NHL, trailing behind players from Chicago and San Jose.