With October behind them, the LA Kings are emerging as a resilient force, navigating the challenges of playing without their defensive stalwart, Drew Doughty. The three-month timeline for Doughty’s recovery initially left fans and the team questioning how they could fill the void left by their Hall of Fame-bound blueliner. But the Kings have responded with grit, tactical adjustments, and a sense of unity that is transforming Doughty’s absence into an opportunity to redefine their identity.
The pressure on the Kings’ defense was immense as they entered the season without their cornerstone player. Captain Anze Kopitar emphasized that the team’s success would hinge on a collective effort, underscoring the resilience and adaptability that have become the hallmarks of this squad. Through 11 games, the Kings have not only weathered the storm but have exceeded expectations, building a defense that is efficient, organized, and tenacious.
Leading the charge on the defensive end is Vladislav Gavrikov, who has seamlessly stepped into a first-pairing role with poise and authority. Gavrikov’s ice time has soared, averaging 23:31 per game, and his impressive +5 rating highlights his impact. His advanced metrics further underscore his value; Gavrikov’s 58.79 CF% and 66.25 xGF% are both top among regulars, showcasing his effectiveness in possession and his defensive prowess. When Gavrikov is on the ice at even strength, the Kings have almost doubled their opponents in High Danger Chances (47-24), a testament to his control over the pace and pressure of the game.
The contributions from forwards Alex Turcotte, Philip Danault, and Trevor Moore have also bolstered LA’s defensive backbone, especially at 5-on-5. While Danault and Moore have faced scoring slumps, all three have been formidable in limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their commitment to shutting down key threats has been critical in supporting a defense that was expected to struggle without Doughty’s presence.
On the offensive side, 21-year-old Brandt Clarke has been nothing short of sensational in his first full NHL season. Leading all LA defensemen in scoring with 11 points in as many games, Clarke is tied for third among all NHL defensemen, behind only superstars Cale Makar, Neal Pionk, and Alex Pietrangelo. Clarke’s impressive start hasn’t surprised those who followed his rise through the ranks, but his creative playmaking and vision have already captivated fans and sparked excitement about his potential as an elite offensive defenseman.
Clarke’s rise has been complemented by unexpected offensive boosts from veteran Joel Edmundson, who has netted three goals, and Mikey Anderson, who has six points. Together, these blue liners have contributed to the Kings’ 8 goals from the back end—an achievement that places them second in the league in goals from defensemen, trailing only Seattle’s 10. This offensive production has proven essential in compensating for Doughty’s absence, giving the team a balanced attack and an ability to keep the pressure on opponents from multiple angles.
Yet, it hasn’t been an entirely smooth journey for the Kings. One area where Doughty’s absence is keenly felt is the penalty kill, currently ranked 19th in the league at 76%. LA has allowed 11 power-play goals this season, the second-most in the NHL, which account for a staggering 30% of their total goals allowed (36). This challenge emphasizes how integral Doughty’s leadership and experience are in shorthanded situations. While they’ve managed to cope in most areas, improving the penalty kill will be essential for the Kings to sustain their success as the season progresses.
In the grand scheme, however, LA’s defense has exceeded expectations, evolving from merely “surviving” without Doughty to genuinely thriving. What was initially seen as a setback has become a testament to the depth and adaptability of the team. Eleven games closer to Doughty’s anticipated return, the Kings’ defensive core has embraced their star’s absence as an opportunity to rise, signaling that they are more than ready to forge their own path and redefine what LA hockey is all about.
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