Kings Road Woes Continue; Early Playoff Exit?
The Los Angeles Kings are in the home stretch for the 2024-25 season.
With ups and downs and a spiral of great moments, Los Angeles boasts one of the best home records this season, but their road record is a cause for concern.
Will they turn things around in time for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs?
Or will their play on the road be the reason their season comes to an end?
The Kings have eight home games left, and their record at Crypto.com Arena is 23-3-4, tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the most wins at home. Their play at home is noticeably different than on the road, which is one reason why they are in their current position. Los Angeles is one point behind the Edmonton Oilers for second place, and if the Kings were better on the road, they would be competing for first overall in the Pacific Division.
PHOTO: Rob Gray/Imagn Images
The road is a different story. Currently, they are 13-18-5 on the road for 31 points. They have been outscored 110-89, but they have a better power play than their opponents (13%- 5.5%). They are also outshooting their opponents on the road this season, 1,103-946.
One player suffering away from home is goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who is 8-8-5. He has 2.54 goals against average and has given up 55 goals. If Kuemper can turn it around, the Kings could be dangerous in the playoffs.
With little time left in the season, the Kings have three games remaining on the road. The Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Utah Hockey Club are also left on the schedule. If Los Angeles can win the last three on the road, they can hopefully go into the playoffs with some confidence away from home. If not, they could be looking at another quick playoff exit.
Los Angeles is up against themselves.
If they win a majority of their remaining games, they could possibly take first place away from the Vegas Golden Knights.
If they play average hockey, they may be on the outside of the playoff picture altogether.
The playoff seeding is in their hands, and they control their own destiny.
Now is the time to go on a winning streak, end the season on a good note, and prepare for the playoffs.
PHOTO: Rob Gray/Imagn Images
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