The Los Angeles Kings have had a great February securing a point in every game so far this month. The 5-0-2 record has helped them move up in the Pacific Division but what is even more impressive is the teams they have been able to beat as they have secured wins over the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights.
They are coming off a lackluster performance against the Vancouver Canucks but two goals in the third period was able to push it to overtime. The Kings face another big challenge to close out the month as they go on the road to play the Dallas Stars.
However, the month of February has helped the Kings in power rankings as they have moved up and in most cases made a pretty big jump. These are where they rank on ESPN, Bleacher Report and NHL.com.
NHL Power Ranking Roundup: Los Angeles Kings make a big jump in most power rankings
ESPN
Current Power Rankings: 9
Previous Power Rankings: 14
For this week's edition of power rankings, each team's best fantasy hockey option was identified. It was a little surprising to see Darcy Kuemper being the player selected but it really shouldn't be. As the power rankings note, he is eighth in fantasy points among goalies and with the defense he has in front of him, there is no reason he shouldn't stay in the Top 10. This is incredible value for a goalie who was going much later in drafts.
Bleacher Report
Current Power Rankings: 6
Previous Power Rankings: 10
Bleacher Report gave the Los Angeles Kings the highest ranking of the three in this article at sixth. The Kings were one of the biggest risers, tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning, who also moved up four spots as they went from 12th to 8th.
A lot of the success this month is due to Darcy Kuemper, who is 4-0 in February, but also Quinton Byfield. He had a four assist game against Vegas this week and was one of five LA Kings to accomplish that at 22 or younger.
NHL.com
Current Power Rankings: 10
Previous Power Rankings: 12
The power rankings on NHL.com identified the top need for each team ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. The Kings need wasn't much of a surprise as they need help up front and particularly scoring goals.
There is no question it has been better in February, which makes the need not as great, but it is something that Rob Blake needs to explore improving.