Last week the NFL released it 2025 schedule, and one of the most common topics of discussion throughout the league was strength of schedule. And generally, most football teams play once a week.
The National Hockey League faces different challenges as teams play about every other night, and so many aspects come into play when the schedules are created. Some of the factors include venue obligations, travel time, and this upcoming season, the Winter Olympics will also have to be taken into account with it in February.
For the Los Angeles Kings, paying close attention to the schedule is just as important as how they prepare for the ice. Last season, the Kings started out with a 2-week road trip through the northeast and Canada. They would lose four out of seven games before hitting home ice, where they bounced back with three home wins.
November brought some home cooking for the Kings as every Saturday night there was a home game, and they certainly did not disappoint the Crypto.com Arena faithful. The Kings went 4-1 on Saturdays, but the road struggles continued as they lost three out of six games.
The Kings were back on the road for an extended trip with another two-week east coast road trip. The Kings had similar results, which dropped four out of seven games, but won all four home games that month. The Kings had some notable matchups, playing the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers twice in eight days and a highlight win against the Edmonton Oilers at home on December 28th.
It should be noted that with the home success the Kings had this past season, they only played eight homes games between December 1st and February 1st. And during that time, the Kings lost 11 of 16 road games. A couple of losses in November and December may not feel quite as important until the points race starts tightening up in March and April, then you may wish you had those games back.
To be successful once again in the Pacific Division, the Los Angeles Kings need to change the road narrative, whatever that may be, from changing hotels, mixing up the routines, and start new team traditions.
LA Kings’ identity and the environment on the road
During the 2024-25 NHL regular season, the Los Angeles Kings achieved a home record of 31-6-4 and an away record of 17-19-5 totaling 105 points and securing a playoff spot. During this time, the Kings set a franchise home record after their 27th win, but their road performances continued to be an issue.
If the Kings want to compete further into the playoffs, where they lost all three road games this season, they need to have a more balanced performance through the regular season. So, how can the Kings apply their home success on the road?
Coaches and players will say that it is a mix of strategic, psychological, and logistical adjustments. And to encompass it even further, the main key is also being prepared.
This may be to optimize recovery time, both physically and mentally, and work on various aspects of your game. However, for the Kings, taking the show on the road and contending deeper into the playoffs may be structured around team identity and not the environment.
The game plan going into away games may be focused on defense first, counterattack, or aggressive forecheck, and the identity the Kings must bring to each game is to “impose their will” regardless of the environment. Additionally, other tweaks in their routines can also bring success and change the culture. The practice schedule, team meals, and even how the locker room is set up can have a significant impact during their away games next year.
Despite their early exit in the playoffs this year, there are solid reasons for optimism about the LA Kings into the 2025-26 season. Build off the home success, continue to develop the talent on the ice, and focus on consistency throughout the season.