Home LA Kingds Kings Keep Rolling: LA’s Playoff Push Gains Momentum

Kings Keep Rolling: LA’s Playoff Push Gains Momentum

The National Sports Report
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Kings Keep Rolling: LA’s Playoff Push Gains Momentum
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: Los Angeles Kings Goalie David Rittich (31) watches the puck during a game between the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings on March 11th, 2024 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rob Curtis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 11: Los Angeles Kings Goalie David Rittich (31) watches the puck during a game between the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings on March 11th, 2024 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rob Curtis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Full Throttle: LA Kings on the Rise

It’s still early in the season, but the LA Kings are already looking like Stanley Cup contenders as we approach the end of 2024. November was a statement month, and December has been just as strong, as the Kings have climbed back into the NHL’s Top 10 after defeating the red-hot Dallas Stars.

Dallas came out firing, scoring two quick goals in the first period, but the Kings adjusted on the fly, completely shutting down the Stars’ offense while responding with three unanswered goals of their own. The 4-2 victory marked LA’s fourth straight win, solidifying their position in the Pacific Division standings. Through 26 games, the Kings now sit at 15-8-3, just behind the Vegas Golden Knights in second place, sparking optimism as they continue their resilient run.

Riding the Hot Hand in Net

With David Rittich playing some of his best hockey, the Kings may want to keep him as the primary starter, even with Darcy Kuemper returning from injured reserve. Rittich now holds a 10-6-0 record with a .891 save percentage, making a strong case as one of the league’s more reliable netminders. Meanwhile, Kuemper, coming off injury, has posted a 4-2-3 record with a .899 save percentage and a 2.65 goals-against average (GAA).

A huge factor in the Kings’ defensive success has been the outstanding efforts of their blue line. Even with two key defensemen—Drew Doughty and Caleb Jones—on IR, players like Mikey Anderson, Vladislav Gavrikov, Joel Edmundson, and Brandt Clarke have all stepped up in a big way. Clarke, in particular, has been a difference-maker, creating scoring lanes, directing plays from the blue line, and increasing shot attempts for his linemates. Clarke now has the second-most assists on the team, trailing only Anze Kopitar, who leads the Kings with 30 total points (22 assists, 8 goals).

Offensive Firepower Fueling the Kings

As LA’s strong season continues, Adrian “Juice” Kempe has been outstanding, earning a nomination to represent Sweden at the Four Nations Face-Off in February. Kempe is the second-leading scorer on the team, recording 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists), just behind Kopitar.

Meanwhile, Alex Laferriere has emerged as another key contributor, ranking third on the team leaderboard with 20 points (11 goals, 9 assists). With this offensive trio firing on all cylinders, the Kings have embraced a fast-paced, relentless attack, living up to their “all gas, no brakes” mentality.

If the Kings continue to dominate the NHL’s top teams, don’t be surprised to see them coast through the rest of the season and make a deep playoff run in pursuit of Stanley Cup glory.

  • – Dante Robinson | Senior NHL Analyst for TheNSR Network

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