The Los Angeles Kings currently are near top of the Pacific Division with a 5-2-2 record and only one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights. There is no question that 12 points in the first nine games is a solid start on face value but there has been some concerns that have emerged over the beginning part of the season.
Most of the power rankings from last week were set prior to the Kings first home game and Los Angeles has locked in two wins since then. They are a little outdated but certainly highlight some of he concerns.
Let's take a look at some of the power rankings from other publications.
Bleacher Report drops Los Angeles Kings six spots
Rank: 19th
The votes for these power rankings were collected last Tuesday night which was after the Kings probably worst performance of the season after they lost 6-1 to the Vegas Golden Knights. It makes sense for them to fall from 13th to 16th but the Kings probably bounce back after two home wins (and hopefully a third against Vegas) before the next round of votes.
LA Kings drop out of Top 16 in NHL.com power rankings
The week prior the Los Angeles Kings were holding on to the Top 16 as they ranked 14th. The Kings were the first team out of the power rankings with 23 points but was well behind the Boston Bruins as they had 42 points.
However, a win over the Utah Hockey Club, which was 13th, should help their chances of getting back into the Top 16 in the next power ranking.
ESPN has the Los Angeles Kings ranked the highest of the power rankings
Of the three power rankings in this article, ESPN had the Kings the highest and was the only one that moved them up the rankings. They previously had them at 16 but moved them up two spots to 14th and that could be due to the fact that this was published after the Kings home opener.
In the article, it was asked to answer the question of who was the biggest surprise, and Brandt Clarke was picked. The impressive part is Clarke has continued that hot streak with a goal and assist against Utah.
The Kings have a chance to help themselves even further with a road game against San Jose on Tuesday before a home game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday.