Post by Los Angeles Kings on Nov 18, 2023 13:03:12 GMT -6
Kings: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Los Angeles Kings come into their 3rd PFHL season humbled by last years collapse and subsequent retool. 15 games into the season, they sit in the final wildcard position in the Western Conference with 9 wins, 5 losses and 1 OT loss. GM Chernuka was vocal about this being a transition year for the club, but one can’t help but feel that the team just hasn’t meshed well together this season. With an even goal differential, the team’s offense has been suspect so far tied for 12th worst in the league. Defense has seen similar struggles with the Kings tied for 13th worst in the league in that category.
Special teams: The Kings Power Play is 13th in the PFHL, while the Penalty Kill is ranked 15th.
What’s one word to describe this season so far?
This is a bubble team, who will be in tough to make the post season once again. At least they have their 1st pick this year!
The Good:
The Dougie Hamilton acquisition has paid off in spades! He has 23 points through 15 games and has meshed incredibly well with MacKenzie Weegar. The pair have a combined 44 pts through 15 games. Jake Guentzel, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart have all played decently well. Anton Lundell in his 1st season with the big club has 11 pts through 15 games and is seeing top 6 minutes. Carter Verhaeghe extension talks have been going well, with him reportedly seeking a reasonable $6.3M over 3 years.
The Bad:
Sean Couturier has struggled and can’t seem to find his game. Secondary scoring is virtually non-existent. Jordan Binnington has not been consistent with a 0.890 save percentage and a 3.24 GAA. Defensemen David Savard and Travis Hamonic have opted to test the market after this season.
The Ugly:
Dougie Hamilton and Sam Reinhart have decided to leave to free agency after this season, leaving huge holes on the team. Youngster Jasper Weatherby has 1 point in 15 games and seems to cool off any line he’s put on. Backup Jonas Johansson has a dismal 0.829 save percentage and a whopping 4.67 GAA.
With destiny seemingly set, does GM Chernuka stand pat and accept his fate, or does he make changes and attempt to correct course in the ultra-competitive Pacific Division?
The Los Angeles Kings come into their 3rd PFHL season humbled by last years collapse and subsequent retool. 15 games into the season, they sit in the final wildcard position in the Western Conference with 9 wins, 5 losses and 1 OT loss. GM Chernuka was vocal about this being a transition year for the club, but one can’t help but feel that the team just hasn’t meshed well together this season. With an even goal differential, the team’s offense has been suspect so far tied for 12th worst in the league. Defense has seen similar struggles with the Kings tied for 13th worst in the league in that category.
Special teams: The Kings Power Play is 13th in the PFHL, while the Penalty Kill is ranked 15th.
What’s one word to describe this season so far?
This is a bubble team, who will be in tough to make the post season once again. At least they have their 1st pick this year!
The Good:
The Dougie Hamilton acquisition has paid off in spades! He has 23 points through 15 games and has meshed incredibly well with MacKenzie Weegar. The pair have a combined 44 pts through 15 games. Jake Guentzel, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart have all played decently well. Anton Lundell in his 1st season with the big club has 11 pts through 15 games and is seeing top 6 minutes. Carter Verhaeghe extension talks have been going well, with him reportedly seeking a reasonable $6.3M over 3 years.
The Bad:
Sean Couturier has struggled and can’t seem to find his game. Secondary scoring is virtually non-existent. Jordan Binnington has not been consistent with a 0.890 save percentage and a 3.24 GAA. Defensemen David Savard and Travis Hamonic have opted to test the market after this season.
The Ugly:
Dougie Hamilton and Sam Reinhart have decided to leave to free agency after this season, leaving huge holes on the team. Youngster Jasper Weatherby has 1 point in 15 games and seems to cool off any line he’s put on. Backup Jonas Johansson has a dismal 0.829 save percentage and a whopping 4.67 GAA.
With destiny seemingly set, does GM Chernuka stand pat and accept his fate, or does he make changes and attempt to correct course in the ultra-competitive Pacific Division?
