Playing Well Isn’t Enough Anymore: Can the Kings Turn Performance into Wins?
The Los Angeles Kings (19-16-10) are at a crossroads. Despite stringing together solid performances, the wins aren’t materializing, and it’s starting to cost them in the standings. Tonight, they face the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights (21-11-12) in a game that could be a turning point—or another missed opportunity. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this team truly underperforming, or are expectations simply too high? Let’s dive in.
Game Details:
- Who: Los Angeles Kings vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- What: 2025 Regular-Season Game 46/82
- When: Wednesday, January 14 @ 7:00 PM Pacific
- Where: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA
- How to Follow:
- Video: FanDuel Sports Network
- Audio: ESPN LA 710, ESPN LA App, LA Kings App
- Twitter: @dooleylak (http://twitter.com/dooleylak) & @lakings (http://twitter.com/lakings)
The Matchup: A Test of Consistency
The Kings are in the midst of a three-game homestand, hoping to rebound after a string of underwhelming results. In their last meeting with the Golden Knights, Andrei Kuzmenko and Quinton Byfield led the charge in a thrilling 6-5 shootout win in October. Kuzmenko, in particular, has been a thorn in Vegas’s side, tallying eight career points (5-3-8) in eight games against them. Byfield also shined, recording a career-high four assists in their last matchup at Crypto.com Arena. But tonight, the Kings face a Golden Knights team riding a four-game winning streak, fresh off a 7-2 rout of the San Jose Sharks.
Kings’ Lineup Adjustments: Perry Out, Moverare In
Forward Corey Perry is notably absent tonight, returning home to address a family illness. Our thoughts are with him during this difficult time. In his place, the Kings will roll with 11 forwards and seven defensemen, with Jacob Moverare rejoining the lineup. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is expected to start, boasting an 8-7-3 record against Vegas, including two wins last season. His .927 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average against the Golden Knights will be crucial tonight.
Golden Knights’ Threats: Dorofeyev and Eichel
Vegas isn’t without its own challenges, missing defenseman Brayden McNabb and forward William Karlsson due to injuries. However, Pavel Dorofeyev and Jack Eichel have been unstoppable against the Kings. Dorofeyev has six goals in 10 career games against LA, while Eichel tallied four points in their first meeting this season. Stopping these two will be key for the Kings.
The Bigger Picture: Playing Well Isn’t Enough
Here’s the part most people miss: The Kings’ recent stretch of “better hockey” hasn’t translated into wins. Since December 23, they’re 4-5-1, despite facing tough opponents like Seattle, Colorado, Tampa Bay, Winnipeg, and Dallas. Drew Doughty acknowledged the team’s “sore loser’s mentality,” but at this stage, moral victories don’t cut it. With just 45 games left, the Kings are on pace for fewer than 90 points—a far cry from their preseason expectations.
Controversial Take: Are Expectations Too High?
Bold question: Is the problem the Kings’ performance, or are we holding them to an unrealistic standard? Jim Hiller has praised their recent play, but four wins in 10 games isn’t good enough for a team with playoff aspirations. The Tampa Bay game two weeks ago was supposed to be a wake-up call, yet here we are. The Kings are clinging to a playoff spot by points percentage, but they’re on the outside looking in by points. How much longer can they afford to “play well” without winning?
3 Things to Watch Tonight:
1. Injury Updates: Joel Armia, Trevor Moore, and Anze Kopitar all skated this morning, though none will play tonight. With Perry out, Taylor Ward could see increased minutes. Ward, along with Andre Lee and Samuel Helenius, has been a bright spot, controlling play in their limited time together.
2. Special Teams Battle: Without Perry, the power play loses a key piece. Can the Kings find a way to capitalize on the man advantage against one of the league’s best penalty-killing units? Conversely, limiting penalties will be crucial, especially with Armia and Moore sidelined.
3. Byfield vs. Eichel: Quinton Byfield is the Kings’ go-to matchup center, and he’ll likely be tasked with shutting down Jack Eichel. How this head-to-head plays out could decide the game.
Final Thoughts: Time to Deliver
The Kings are at a tipping point. They’re playing better hockey, but it’s not enough. Tonight against the division leaders, they need more than just a good performance—they need a win. And this is the part most people miss: If they can’t turn it around now, when will they?
What do you think? Are the Kings underperforming, or are expectations too high? Let’s debate in the comments!
