Speculation: Another year of this Bluc **** (The 2024-25 season thread)

[Axl Rhoadz]

I would argue it's not people who are overly pessimistic about this team overreacting to a small losing streak, it's people who are overly optimistic overreacting to another 40 games of regular season games. Posts like this (and with some ppl PM's sent) have been made each of the past two seasons when the Kings were third in the Pacific, about how its going to be different.

It wasn't size, backbone, defense or any of these other cute little intangibles, the Kings lose to the Oilers because they are overwhelmingly outmatched offensively in an era where the game is geared towards offense. This team is horrible offensively because they are in the bottom 20% of the league when it comes to skilled players on the roster, that is why the PP sucks.

It's the Jimmy's and the Joe's, not the X's and O's. And those type of "culture changer" Jimmy and Joe's are not acquired at the deadline from garbage teams, they are usually drafted in the 1st round of drafts, and that gets back to the continued biggest issue with why this team is a faux-contender instead of an actual one.

Now that you've got it all figured out, what do we do now?

 

[Herby]

Now that you've got it all figured out, what do we do now?

Find a time machine and go back to the summer of 2021 and tell Rob Blake not to end the rebuild, and to keep adding young assets.

I guess I'd just evaluate the team a bit differently. I wouldn't consider this last road trip as one where 'shit hit the fan'. That's part of what I was saying in my original post... I'm not going to overreact (for lack of a better term) to a 2W-3L road trip and I'm not going to overreact to an uncharacteristic bad loss to the Pens coming off that road trip.

If these things continue, yeah - I'll start to get more concerned. But even just looking at January as you said, they started off 3-0 with 3 strong wins against very good teams. Then they get goalie'd against a decent Flames team. They played solid hockey that night. Outshot the Flames 32 to 18. Dustin Wolf stood on his head.. It happens. Then you lose a tough one to a VERY good Oilers team 1-0 (in EDM). Then absolutely DOMINATE a struggling Canucks team. Then admittedly a bad loss to Seattle and a rough one against Pittsburg.

TLDR: It's a mixed bag. They've been on a little bit of a skid and they've been struggling to create chances and finish offensively lately and if that continues yes it could be a concern but virtually all teams go through stretches like this. And yes, we've seen them have bad January's before - All the more reason to have confidence that they'll turn it around soon. Because we've seen them do that for the last 3 years. I'll give you yes, the treatment of younger players continues to be a bit of a concern but all-in-all, I'm not losing faith in this group over a 4W, 4L January - I mean to be honest that's not even that bad of a skid. And they were one of the hottest teams in the NHL prior to this last stretch. Just like their hot stretches don't prove they're going to win the stanley cup, their cold stretches don't prove that they're destined to lose in the first round.

I wouldn't say I'm being overly optimistic. I think it's clear this Kings team is better (and different) than we've seen in years past. Maybe you disagree, that's fine. I also don't think the Kings lack as much skill as you seem to think. And I don't think this team is horrible offensively. In my post, I'm not saying "This kings team is so amazing oh my god they're definitely going to go on a long playoff run".... I'm just saying "Hey, let's take a deep breath and remind ourselves that this might just be a little skid/cold streak and that doesn't mean everything is doomed and we're automatically going to lose in the playoffs again"

I am not saying they are going to lose in the playoffs because of a recent losing streak. I couldn't care less about what happens one way or the other in the regular season. I am saying they are going to lose in the playoffs because I watched the previous three playoffs and because I can see Edmonton and Vegas have clearly better rosters.

And one of the key reason the Kings nearly won in 2022 was because Danault was at the peak of his excellence and was playing dominant two-way hockey, right now I'm not even sure he deserves to be in the lineup.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I guess I'd just evaluate the team a bit differently. I wouldn't consider this last road trip as one where 'shit hit the fan'. That's part of what I was saying in my original post... I'm not going to overreact (for lack of a better term) to a 2W-3L road trip and I'm not going to overreact to an uncharacteristic bad loss to the Pens coming off that road trip.

If these things continue, yeah - I'll start to get more concerned. But even just looking at January as you said, they started off 3-0 with 3 strong wins against very good teams. Then they get goalie'd against a decent Flames team. They played solid hockey that night. Outshot the Flames 32 to 18. Dustin Wolf stood on his head.. It happens. Then you lose a tough one to a VERY good Oilers team 1-0 (in EDM). Then absolutely DOMINATE a struggling Canucks team. Then admittedly a bad loss to Seattle and a rough one against Pittsburg.

TLDR: It's a mixed bag. They've been on a little bit of a skid and they've been struggling to create chances and finish offensively lately and if that continues yes it could be a concern but virtually all teams go through stretches like this. And yes, we've seen them have bad January's before - All the more reason to have confidence that they'll turn it around soon. Because we've seen them do that for the last 3 years. I'll give you yes, the treatment of younger players continues to be a bit of a concern but all-in-all, I'm not losing faith in this group over a 4W, 4L January - I mean to be honest that's not even that bad of a skid. And they were one of the hottest teams in the NHL prior to this last stretch. Just like their hot stretches don't prove they're going to win the stanley cup, their cold stretches don't prove that they're destined to lose in the first round.

I wouldn't say I'm being overly optimistic. I think it's clear this Kings team is better (and different) than we've seen in years past. Maybe you disagree, that's fine. I also don't think the Kings lack as much skill as you seem to think. And I don't think this team is horrible offensively. In my post, I'm not saying "This kings team is so amazing oh my god they're definitely going to go on a long playoff run".... I'm just saying "Hey, let's take a deep breath and remind ourselves that this might just be a little skid/cold streak and that doesn't mean everything is doomed and we're automatically going to lose in the playoffs again"

It's certainly a 'mixed bag' but that's why I'm looking to those stats...you can justify each game but the trend of play in January is they deserve those losses and more. The Kings were rightfully dominant in the weeks leading up but since Jan 1st they have been getting outshot and outchanced regularly and that's at ES, never mind special teams. That's a worry when you pair it with the eye test which is saying the older players are looking ragged amongst other things. You call it 'uncharacteristic' but the biggest difference in that game was that Rittich was in, not Kuemper, so instead of it being 2-1 or whatever the Pens ran up the score...it is VERY characteristic of January. Theyr'e not just struggling to create--they're struggling to defend. Sure they'll turn it around a bit they're not as bad as they've shown, but they're also not the team that was rattling along at an .850.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

I am not saying they are going to lose in the playoffs because of a recent losing streak. I couldn't care less about what happens one way or the other in the regular season. I am saying they are going to lose in the playoffs because I watched the previous three playoffs and because I can see Edmonton and Vegas have clearly better rosters.

So you're just.... giving up on the Kings because you think EDM and VGK have better rosters??

Every year there are cup contenders who come up short in the playoffs. OFTEN, we see teams that look like absolute juggernauts get eliminated in the first or second round of the playoffs. Sometimes to teams that are legitimately worse on paper.

One of the beautiful and fun things about this sport (and sport in general) is that results can be very unpredictable. You have to actually PLAY THE GAMES to see what happens because these leagues are HIGHLY competitive and upsets happen regularly as a result.

I'm not saying "just get in and hope for the best" but I am acknowledging the fact that even if the Oilers or Knights are better than the Kings on paper - that absolutely does not mean the Oilers/Knights automatically win in a 7 game series.

Also, you mention "they are going to lose in the playoffs because I watched the previous three playoffs"... I would like to re-iterate: Every year is different and every team is different. Even if there are only a few minor changes to a team's composition - sometimes those can have MASSIVE effects. There are SO many factors that go into whether teams win or lose in the playoffs. It's a lot more complicated than just "who beat who in the playoffs in previous years" and "oh well this team has a better roster on paper so clearly they're going to win".

And lastly look I get it, the Kings have been in similar scenarios in years past and it hasn't worked out the last 3 years. It's frustrating. But that doesn't mean the future holds the same results.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

Sure they'll turn it around a bit they're not as bad as they've shown, but they're also not the team that was rattling along at an .850.

Exactly... So let's see how they look when they DO turn it around and see what they do at the deadline and see how Doughty impacts the team and see how Laf and others do in the 2nd half and go from there.

This team IS different from previous years and that's not necessarily saying they'll get over the hump that's just saying we can't just assume the rest of the season is going to play out exactly like previous seasons have and we're destined for failure.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

I don't even know why this is becoming such a debate.

Really all I'm saying is let's not lose hope in this group over some recent offensive struggles and a semi-rough month of January.

ESPECIALLY when we're getting Doughty and Laf back and will likely have the chance to add a scoring winger at the deadline - an addition that could seriously boost this team if the right player is added.

I get there's concern with the way young players are treated. I get there's concern with the style of offense Hiller has the team playing and whether they'll be able to generate enough to beat good teams come playoff time. But let's not just assume we're destined for failure... That's not a good mindset.

I'm really excited about the 2nd half. And I'm excited about the potential of this team. I'll definitely be disappointed if they lose again in the first round. But I'll be damned if I'm sitting here in January talking about "well they're just going to lose in the 1st round again" like it's a done deal.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I don't even know why this is becoming such a debate.

Really all I'm saying is let's not lose hope in this group over some recent offensive struggles and a semi-rough month of January.

ESPECIALLY when we're getting Doughty and Laf back and will likely have the chance to add a scoring winger at the deadline - an addition that could seriously boost this team if the right player is added.

I get there's concern with the way young players are treated. I get there's concern with the style of offense Hiller has the team playing and whether they'll be able to generate enough to beat good teams come playoff time. But let's not just assume we're destined for failure... That's not a good mindset.

I'm really excited about the 2nd half. And I'm excited about the potential of this team. I'll definitely be disappointed if they lose again in the first round. But I'll be damned if I'm sitting here in January talking about "well they're just going to lose in the 1st round again" like it's a done deal.

Dude, this is part n parcel for the last 5 years....they don't enjoy watching the games, they enjoy bitching about the games....

 

[Herby]

So you're just.... giving up on the Kings because you think EDM and VGK have better rosters??

Every year there are cup contenders who come up short in the playoffs. OFTEN, we see teams that look like absolute juggernauts get eliminated in the first or second round of the playoffs. Sometimes to teams that are legitimately WORSE on paper.

One of the beautiful and fun things about this sport (and sport in general) is that results can be very unpredictable. You have to actually PLAY THE GAMES to see what happens because these leagues are HIGHLY competitive and upsets happen regularly as a result.

I'm not saying "just get in and hope for the best" but I am acknowledging the fact that even if the Oilers or Knights are better than the Kings on paper - that absolutely does not mean the Oilers/Knights automatically win in a 7 game series.

Also, you mention "they are going to lose in the playoffs because I watched the previous three playoffs"... I would like to re-iterate: Every year is different and every team is different. Even if there are only a few minor changes to a team's composition - sometimes those can have MASSIVE effects. There are SO many factors that go into whether teams win or lose in the playoffs. It's a lot more complicated than just "who beat who in the playoffs in previous years" and "oh well this team has a better roster on paper so clearly they're going to win".

And lastly look I get it, the Kings have been in similar scenarios in years past and it hasn't worked out the last 3 years. It's frustrating. But that doesn't mean the future holds the same results.

Yes, I don't deal in hope and faith. I don't care that 13 years ago the Kings won the cup as an 8th seed, you wouldn't have faith and hope for Montreal or Ottawa to make a run, or Calgary to make a run, so why should I have hope and faith in a team that hasn't won a playoff round in 11 years? Because I am a fan of the team? Sure there are upsets, but generally the better constructed roster wins. The Kings have one player on their roster who would be a 1st line player on any team in the league. That is why their PP sucks and they struggle to score, if you want to think the Kings can beat a team with McDavid and Draisaitl 2-1 or 3-2 in 4 out of 7 matchups, knock yourself out, I don't and what has happened the previous three years shows that those of us who doubted this rosters validity were indeed right.

These same points about it "being different" were made the previous two years, last year it was "Byfield has arrived" and the year before it was "Fiala is the offensive equalizer". This year it's going to be "Jeannot and Fogele add an element we didn't have", but the foundational problems with the roster (the lack of enough offensive difference makers) will again show through when they play EDM. The way to beat that team is clear as day

In 2022 Edmonton in losses gave up 4, 4, 5, 9, 8, 4, 4, 6
In 2023 Edmonton in losses gave up 4, 3, 6, 5, 4, 5,
In 2024 Edmonton in losses gave up 5, 5, 4, 3, 5, 3, 4, 4, 2

You would think that realizing we are in a divisional playoff structure, and realizing that constructing rosters to beat EDM is paramount that maybe the Kings would veer from their 1997 style of hockey, but I guess that was never a realistic option for this management group. They will keep pushing the dead-puck defense hockey up the hill and then tell us "we were right there" when the boulder inevitably falls back down on them because they don't have enough offense to exploit the Oilers weaknesses.

The Kings built a roster trying to stop an unstoppable strength instead of trying to exploit an exploitable weakness.

 

[AbsentMojo]

The main problem is the PP... it keeps getting worse season to season. Half way through the season and it has actually dipped further from where it was earlier in the season. How come this is not talked about more.. after not getting one PP goal in the post season... and coming into this season and not improving. That is a failure.

22-23: reg: 4th(25%), po: 4th (33%)
23-24: reg: 11th(22%), po: 16th (0%)
24-25: reg: 28th(16%)

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

The main problem is the PP... it keeps getting worse season to season. Half way through the season and it has actually dipped further from where it was earlier in the season. How come this is not talked about more.. after not getting one PP goal in the post season... and coming into this season and not improving. That is a failure.

22-23: reg: 4th(25%), po: 4th (33%)
23-24: reg: 11th(22%), po: 16th (0%)
24-25: reg: 28th(16%)

Because the kind of (available) players that will help them on the PP are the offensively creative type that may not be as helpful 5v5 and as evidenced by the mass exodus of offensive talent the Kings steadfastly refuse to exchange even a smidge of defense for any help leaning towards offense.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Because the kind of (available) players that will help them on the PP are the offensively creative type that may not be as helpful 5v5 and as evidenced by the mass exodus of offensive talent the Kings steadfastly refuse to exchange even a smidge of defense for any help leaning towards offense.

So true... its more of the Koala style 4 corners Dean Smith offense - minimize risk since you dont think you can score. If this was any Canadian city you can be damn sure there would be a dedicated Hiller griller to ask him about the power play... why hasnt this been a direct question? Seems no one has declared this a major issue. Edit: Byfield and Clarke should be putting up points - esp Clarke who was like PPG at the beginning of the season. They have made defense such a priority these guys are afraid to be creative.. and note that QB was flying last game and was first guy getting called out.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

So true... its more of the Koala style 4 corners Dean Smith offense - minimize risk since you dont think you can score. If this was any Canadian city you can be damn sure there would be a dedicated Hiller griller to ask him about the power play... why hasnt this been a direct question? Seems no one has declared this a major issue. Edit: Byfield and Clarke should be putting up points - esp Clarke who was like PPG at the beginning of the season. They have made defense such a priority these guys are afraid to be creative.. and note that QB was flying last game and was first guy getting called out.

Byfield is now getting paid ‘big boy’ money without proving much. He’s getting paid for potential as opposed to what he’s done in his career. If he’s not putting up points, he needs to be called out.

 

[Herby]

Because the kind of (available) players that will help them on the PP are the offensively creative type that may not be as helpful 5v5 and as evidenced by the mass exodus of offensive talent the Kings steadfastly refuse to exchange even a smidge of defense for any help leaning towards offense.

This is why even I am skeptical that even elite offensive talents like Stutzle and Caufield would have had any success here had they been drafted by the Kings, because the Kings refuse to adapt in any way for offensive players. The Kings love to focus on weakness and ignore strengths, that is why they try and turn every player they draft into system players by getting them to the AHL asap and keeping them in the AHL alap. The Kings want a roster of system players, and the ones who don't work as system players end up looking ridiculously out of place (PLD, Fiala, Kaliyev)

It's even funnier because the President of the team would have needed a map to find the defensive zone in his playing career but is in the HHOF by playing an exact style that the team he now oversees refuses to even try and bring in. There would have been no place for Luc Robitaille the player on the 2024-2025 LA Kings.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

you wouldn't have faith and hope for Montreal or Ottawa to make a run, or Calgary to make a run,

Hope? Absolutely. Faith would maybe be questionable.

If I was a die hard Montreal, Ottawa, or Calgary fan and my team snuck into the playoffs I would DEFINITELY be hoping that they could go on a run and I would find reasons to be optimistic and hopeful about their chances. That's part of being a fan of a team. You HOPE the team does well.

• Montreal: Our young players are finally starting to click. Caulfield and Laine are elite scorers. Suzuki is a great 1C. Hutson adds some dynamic offense to our blue line. If these guys get hot, they can beat anyone.
• Ottawa: Tkachuk is built for the playoffs and we have Stutzle to lead our offense and other pieces to chip in. Our defense is underrated with Sanderson and Chabot. If these guys play up to their potential, I think they have a chance against anyone in a 7 game series.
• Calgary: We have one of the best young goalies in the NHL - a guy who should be a serious contender for the Calder. Our team may not have the elite offensive firepower as some other teams but if we play a tight checking game and get good goaltending, we could surprising and win a series or two.

Here's the thing, you can be hopeful for the success of your team even if you don't think it's super likely that they'll achieve that success.

Some of y'all choose to give up on your team mid season because you have some doubts. Others, like myself, choose to remain hopeful that the team can work through their issues and come out on top. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

[AbsentMojo]

I think one of the other main problems is the way the org approaches the top 4 D.. Look at a team like Colorado .. 3 guys who can effectively join the rush or pinch and create offense in Makar, Toewes and Girard. They had the right idea going after Chychrun... sorry but Gavrikov is stay at home puck mover.. not offense. 44 and 8 as your top pair - their 5x5 pts/60 as a pair is low. Its just defense, defense, defense.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Byfield is now getting paid ‘big boy’ money without proving much. He’s getting paid for potential as opposed to what he’s done in his career. If he’s not putting up points, he needs to be called out.

That last game was not the game to call him out. Sometimes Hiller says some bizarre shit, like how he thought Andre Lee was some revelation. Im fine w him calling Q out now in general. I do think he needs a kick in the ass - but not for last game.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Jesus Christ...you would think we are two months into the offseason with these posts the last couple of days. We are 4-4 in the month of Jan and you would think we are 1-7 by the tone of this garbage.

FFS, if you hate the org that bad, can you at least just be a fan of the players and just move on? Nothing any of us can do about how this team is ran, and NONE of you are season ticket holders (so you really have very little room to bitch) so just root for the players and let's f***ing go already.

 

[tigermask48]

So true... its more of the Koala style 4 corners Dean Smith offense - minimize risk since you dont think you can score. If this was any Canadian city you can be damn sure there would be a dedicated Hiller griller to ask him about the power play... why hasnt this been a direct question? Seems no one has declared this a major issue. Edit: Byfield and Clarke should be putting up points - esp Clarke who was like PPG at the beginning of the season. They have made defense such a priority these guys are afraid to be creative.. and note that QB was flying last game and was first guy getting called out.

The Kings would be a better team playing pond hockey winning and losing games 7-6, playing no system at all.
You can see that the past few playoffs where the games the Kings won were the couple games they were allowed to just skate and play, before Todd would inevitably tighten the leash.

 

[Schrute farms]

Jesus Christ...you would think we are two months into the offseason with these posts the last couple of days. We are 4-4 in the month of Jan and you would think we are 1-7 by the tone of this garbage.

Just saying....1-4 in the last 5 (2 points out of 10).

 

[FSL KINGS]

God
I wish Fiala was just worthless like Lewis instead of a full on detriment

Knew you'd come around on Lewis! Good to see you supporting him!

Now that you've got it all figured out, what do we do now?

Trade for S. Jones. He has size & speed. Combines Burroughs defense with Spence's offensive skills. Perfect acquisition!!!!

That last game was not the game to call him out. Sometimes Hiller says some bizarre shit, like how he thought Andre Lee was some revelation. Im fine w him calling Q out now in general. I do think he needs a kick in the ass - but not for last game.

Hiller makes questionable decisions all the time. He's just a rookie NHL coach & figuring things out. Right? He'll get around to special teams any day now.

Jesus Christ...you would think we are two months into the offseason with these posts the last couple of days. We are 4-4 in the month of Jan and you would think we are 1-7 by the tone of this garbage.

FFS, if you hate the org that bad, can you at least just be a fan of the players and just move on? Nothing any of us can do about how this team is ran, and NONE of you are season ticket holders (so you really have very little room to bitch) so just root for the players and let's f***ing go already.

I'm a King's fan. Not a fan of Blake getting a decade in control of the team & doing nothing with it. Time for new blood & new ideas.

 

[tigermask48]

Some of y'all choose to give up on your team mid season because you have some doubts. Others, like myself, choose to remain hopeful that the team can work through their issues and come out on top. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Here's the thing, I've seen this exact scenario play out the majority of my life as a Kings fan. Outside of maybe at most, 8 seasons in it's history where they've been a contender, the team has never been good enough to compete. The teams since 2017 have had a lot more in common with Dave Taylor, McMaster the Disaster, or Rogie Vachon run teams than anything Lombardi ever put together.

I've seen this script play out for years. Just make the playoffs and anything can happen... except that it hasn't been true, and never was true, and you just have to reasonably look at that 2012 season to see that wasn't a team just sneaking into the playoffs.

So yeah I'm negative, because I've been watching blackhole teams for the better part of 40 years and this team much like the past few years looks like a blackhole team.