After initially dropping across most NHL power rankings, the Los Angeles Kings were able to turn around their fortunes and started heading in the right direction. While the loss to the San Jose Sharks wasn't great, wins over the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Hockey Club were enough to minimize that impact.
The question now is how much these losses can be overlooked as the Kings had another bad loss on Saturday night to the Chicago Blackhawks. They have two games upcoming this week that can help put that in the rearview with road games against Nashville and Minnesota that should help them remain around where they are in these power rankings from NHL.com, ESPN, and Bleacher Report.
Los Angeles Kings return to the Top 16 in the power rankings on NHL.com
Current Ranking: 14
Previous Ranking: NR
The Los Angeles Kings were one of the first teams out of the Top 16 last week but were able to move up and jump the Ottawa Senators, Utah Hockey Club, and Boston Bruins in the latest power rankings. It is worth noting that there is a sizable gap between the Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and Ottawa Senators, who are 15th and 16th, in terms of points at 12 and 34 points respectively.
Meanwhile, they are only seven points behind the Calgary Flames so they have a chance to certainly move up this week.
Los Angeles move up one spot in ESPN's power rankings
Current Ranking: 13
Previous Ranking: 14
The Los Angeles Kings moved up one spot due in large part to division rival Calgary Flames taking a huge tumble this week in the power rankings. They were ranked fifth last week but fell all the way down to 14th.
However, it could have been higher if it wasn't for Vancouver Canucks jumping the Kings as they went from 16th to 12th. The Kings will have a chance to prove who is the better team on the ice with a home game on Thursday night.
Los Angeles Kings make the biggest jump in the Bleacher Report power rankings
Current Ranking: 12
Previous Ranking: 19
Of the three power rankings, Bleacher Report had the Kings ranked the highest but certainly in line with the other publications at 12th. However, they did see the biggest jump from 19th which could just be an indication that they were ranked too low last week.
In the write-up, Kevin Fiala being a healthy scratch was mentioned and the good news is that since then the issue hasn't lingered. Fiala has actually looked better since returning and doesn't appear that it will linger.