Los Angeles Kings Face Key Questions Ahead of Season Opener
As the Los Angeles Kings prepare for their first game against the Colorado Avalanche, several critical questions linger.
Just days before their much-anticipated opening night showdown with the Colorado Avalanche, it’s time to delve into the five most pressing concerns for the Los Angeles Kings in the upcoming season.
Who Plays on the Third Pair?
As the Kings entered their preseason camp, few roster spots were truly up for grabs, leading to a lack of intense competition. However, two intriguing battles emerged: Jordan Spence vs. Brandt Clarke and Andreas Englund vs. Tobias Bjornfot.
Spence and Clarke’s matchup drew the most attention, pitting two highly skilled puck-moving defensemen against each other. Both are capable of quarterbacking the Kings’ second power-play unit, making the choice between them a challenging one.
Clarke, with his impressive playmaking ability, boasts a higher ceiling, while Spence brings experience and a well-rounded game. Their strong camp performances have kept the coaching staff undecided, and a final decision may not come until the eleventh hour.
On the flip side, Englund and Bjornfot offer different qualities. Bjornfot is a two-way defender with excellent skating skills, excelling in defending against rushes. Englund, in contrast, provides physicality and a willingness to protect his teammates.
Although Englund had a standout game against the Anaheim Ducks, he struggled in matchups against the Arizona Coyotes in Australia. Bjornfot has performed solidly in the preseason but hasn’t delivered any standout moments. Currently, the nod may go to Bjornfot, but Englund’s physical presence could give him the edge.
The coaching staff remains far from making a definitive decision on either position, according to Todd McLellan.
Can the Kings Get Quality Goaltending?
The biggest concern for the Kings this season appears to be their goaltending situation. On the surface, it doesn’t inspire much confidence, with a 36-year-old Cam Talbot, a relatively inexperienced 31-year-old Pheonix Copley, and career backup David Rittich.
However, there is room for optimism. The Kings’ strong defensive play can mitigate high-danger scoring chances, meaning they don’t require elite goaltending, just consistency. The option of running a goalie tandem throughout the season offers flexibility, reducing the reliance on one goaltender for 60-plus games.
Currently, Talbot and Copley are penciled in for the NHL roster, while Rittich may head to Ontario, although this situation could evolve by October 11.
Will Kevin Fiala & Pierre-Luc Dubois Develop Chemistry?
The potential chemistry between Kevin Fiala and Pierre-Luc Dubois could be a game-changer for the Kings this season. While early signs have been positive, the true test awaits on opening night.
If Fiala and Dubois click, they could form a formidable middle-six line, capable of winning games. If not, Coach McLellan may have to distribute his three highest-paid forwards across different lines, enhancing overall depth but potentially missing out on a dynamic duo.
The third member of this line, Arthur Kaliyev, also plays a pivotal role, and his ability to complement Fiala and Dubois remains to be seen.
“It’s still very much a 50/50,” said McLellan when asked if any one pair is favored right now. “We’re going to need six or seven defensemen on the roster and whatever combination we come up with, that might not be the same combination we have in game two. There will be some flexibility for up and down, which won’t be a bad thing for some players. But we aren’t at that point of deciding yet.”
Can Quinton Byfield & Arthur Kaliyev Take the Next Step?
Quinton Byfield and Arthur Kaliyev’s progression is crucial to the Kings’ success this season. Byfield, slotted into the top line, needs to boost his offensive output, while Kaliyev must prove he can keep pace with elite players like Fiala and Dubois.
Neither player needs to become a superstar immediately, but they must demonstrate readiness for significant roles within the team. Kaliyev, if he maintains his current line, should target at least 20 goals, potentially more with power-play opportunities. Meanwhile, Byfield, now fully recovered, should aim for the 50-point mark and increase his goal-scoring tally to contribute significantly.
Both players face the most substantial NHL opportunities of their careers thus far, and seizing these opportunities is paramount.
