The Los Angeles Kings remain in a playoff spot, but the teams below them are gaining ground since the 4-Nations tournament concluded.
In their last four games, the Kings are 0-4 and have been outscored 18-6, with two of those losses against playoff teams.
With the trade deadline this Friday, will Los Angeles General Manager Rob Blake make a move with their recent play?
Two situations that have Kings fans concerned are the lack of defense and the scoring among the forwards. Almost five goals were given up per game, and a goal and a half per game were scored per game during their four-game losing streak. The roster has been pretty much the same for the past few seasons, but now may be a perfect time to shake things up and add big pieces to the forward and defensive groups.
Speaking of adding, goaltender David Rittich has been average, to say the least. He has fallen on hard times and is not the same player he was last season. He is not even close. If the Kings make this next month interesting, a backup goaltender may be another avenue to explore. Rittich has been solid in his career in Los Angeles, but he is struggling when the Kings need the points the most.
The offense has not been good over the past two weeks. Forwards Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar have been solid, but the rest of the Kings’ forwards have gone silent. Missing is a big sniper and a player who can make something happen on every shift, let alone a right-handed shot.
The problem is those players will command a premium, which the Kings can pay, but does Blake want to make drastic changes to the roster?
Defenseman Brandt Clarke has been a big story for the wrong reasons. Still a big-time prospect, he was not on the ice for much of February. He can play the game and contribute offensively, but with Drew Doughty back, he has been scratched. Management has to either play him or trade him, as he has too much to offer to sit and watch. His development will be damaged if he sits for four games, plays one game, and then sits again.
This team is shaken and falls at the wrong time.
If Blake believes the Kings can still make a serious run in the playoffs, he has to make a big move. Aside from acquiring defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, his deals have been minor deal at best. This roster needs to be shaken up for the good. If not, this season may end up like the previous four seasons.
With an early playoff exit, Blake’s future as general manager depends on this trade deadline.
PHOTO: Jeff Curry/Imagn Images
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