The Los Angeles Kings are on a four-game winning streak, and this could not have come at a better time.
The 2023/24 season is winding down, and the Kings have 11 games left against some playoff-bound competition. Will they be up to the challenge before time runs out? Will they step up and run fear through the Western Conference? Or will it be an early-season exit?
Los Angeles Kings Face a Difficult Schedule
Los Angeles has done well under new Head Coach Jim Hiller, and their inspired play results in some quality wins heading down the stretch. During their current four-game winning streak, they have defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2, goaltender David Rittich shutout the Minnesota Wild 6-0, the Kings beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime, and Los Angeles picked up a massive 3-2 win over the Pacific Division-leading Vancouver Canucks. The Kings have outscored their opponents 19-7 during the four games, with the goaltending looking solid.
Los Angeles is keeping pace with the Pacific Division and Western Conference. They are third in the division behind the Edmonton Oilers and Canucks, but are seventh in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has a record of 38-22-11 for 87 points, a single point ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights.
With things being tight at the top of the Pacific Division and in the entire Western Conference, the Kings have crucial games remaining in their schedule, including against teams in the division. They are at a pivotal part of the schedule where the Kings must obtain points and not give away points, even a single point.
The remaining schedule it is separated by remaining home games and away games:
Remaining Home Games
- vs. Seattle Kraken
- vs. Vancouver Canucks
- vs. Calgary Flames
- vs. Anaheim Ducks
- vs. Minnesota Wild
- vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Remaining Away Games
- at Edmonton Oilers
- at Calgary Flames
- at Winnipeg Jets
- at San Jose Sharks
- at Anaheim Ducks
The biggest games left on the schedule are against Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Minnesota, which are essential points within the division. Head Coach Hiller, captain Anze Kopitar, and Drew Doughty will play a big role in how the team fares the rest of the season.
Little details will be simplified as teams play safe hockey, not wanting to give up a single point to the opposition down the stretch.
The younger players’ play will also be important. Alex Laferriere, Jordan Spence, Brandt Clarke, and Alex Turcotte have not experienced this type of hockey much in their short NHL careers, but they could become big factors in the coming weeks.
(photo: latimes.com; Helene Elliott)
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