"Just over half of the 2025-26 season has been completed, and the Los Angeles Kings are sporting an 18-14-10 record with 46 points, good enough for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. Looking at that from an outside lens, most would come to the conclusion that sitting in a wild card spot at the halfway mark of the season is a positive sign and one that would equate to a successful season if the trend continued."
"It's been a bumpy ride through 42 games played that have yet to see a Kings team string together any sort of momentum or consistency, aside from one four-game road win streak in the middle of November. It's been a constant back and forth with no real trajectory or indication of what the ceiling is for this group, along with a copious amount of loser points that have kept them afloat in a division that is overshadowing their struggles and flaws."
"Defensively, they remain one of the best teams in the league. Has Darcy Kuemper played a massive role in their success in keeping the puck out of their net? Yes, but this is also a team that has given up the sixth-lowest amount of shots on goal, they clear out rebounds, and they take pride in a structure that limits a lot to the outside. It's offensively where this team has struggled."
The Kings are 18-14-10 with 46 points, holding the second wild card spot in the Western Conference at the halfway mark. The team has failed to build sustained momentum through 42 games, producing many loser points that mask underlying issues. Defensively the club ranks among the league's best, limiting shots and clearing rebounds, with Darcy Kuemper playing a major role. Offense has been a persistent problem despite retaining the same top nine and upgrading the fourth line with Corey Perry and Joel Armia. Recent games show improved creativity, but consistency and scoring remain concerns.
Read at The Hockey Writers
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