The Los Angeles Kings are currently riding a six-game win streak after a 3-1 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. They are in the early part of their seven-game road trip and have a big test on Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils.
The Kings on this win streak is somewhat unexpected as they were struggling prior to this win streak with five losses in eight games. Jim Hiller would make some significant changes to the line after their loss to the San Jose Sharks and it clearly has worked.
One line combination that has worked exceptionally well is the group and has quickly become the best line in the NHL. What is surprising about this is that it does not include Anze Kopitar or Adrian Kempe.
Kevin Fiala-Phillip Danault-Alex Laferriere have been incredible for the Los Angeles Kings
Hiller put these three players together and the way they have come together is remarkable. According to Moneypuck.com, this line currently leads the entire NHL in Expected Goals % at 76.4%, which is less than two percentage points better than Brandon Hagel-Anthony Cirelli-Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
During this six-game stretch, this line has accounted for seven goals, which is one third of all of the Kings goals scored during their win streak. On Tuesday night, Kevin Fiala was able to extend the Kings lead in the second period in what was the game-winning goal.
After the Islanders game, Hiller was asked about Kevin Fiala but didn't hesitate to also mention the performance of Danault, according to Zach Dooley with LA Kings Insider:
"Absolutely, I think he played more than any other player tonight, or any other forward at least. I can’t remember him playing better than that, so that was really good to see. I thought Phil fit in that category too. I thought Phil Danault had his best game that I can remember. He did a lot of stuff, blocked shots, faceoffs, so I really liked Phil the whole game too."
The Devils are 10th in goals per game at 3.32 but also lead the league in shots at 947 so the Los Angeles Kings are going to need another strong performance from this line in what could be a high scoring game on Thursday night.