The LA Kings currently have the best home record in the NHL with only nine losses, either in regulation or overtime, this season. They have already set the franchise record for home wins at 29 and still have three more left on the schedule.
However, when looking at the schedule one surprising trend stands out about the losses they have had this season. A majority of the home losses this season have been against teams with losing records.
Right now, there are only two of the eight teams the Kings have lost to this season that are currently in playoff position with the St. Louis Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile the other teams the Kings have lost to is the Vancouver Canucks (twice), Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, and recently the Seattle Kraken.
It is certainly surprising to see some the Kings lose to some of these teams, especially considering they have put together some impressive games against top-tier teams. They would beat the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 4-1, Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 7-2, and Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 back in February.
What is the reason for the struggles against these teams for the LA Kings?
It is tough to pinpoint a major issue but the LA Kings do struggle to score against them. This has not necessarily been an issue with goaltending as Darcy Kuemper has been in net for five of the nine games the Kings have lost.
However, what has been lacking has been goal-scoring. In five of the nine losses, they have scored one or no goals like when they were shut out by the Buffalo Sabres 1-0 in November. They have had only one game with three goals, which was back on November 7th against the Chicago Blackhawks when they had three.
The fact that almost all of these games have come in games that would be viewed as "should win" when looking at the rosters, it could be an indication that the Kings are overlooking them and taking them for granted somewhat. However, when the focus is there and the Kings have to play up to their opponent, they do a great job.
This could be a good sign come playoff time as any team they are going to be playing is among some of the best. They won't be overlooking teams or assuming they are going to win and if that Los Angeles Kings team shows up, they could finally get past the first round.