Updated NHL rankings for the Los Angeles Kings through 16 games

The Los Angeles Kings are now 16 games into the 2024-25 season with a 9-4-3 record and currently one point ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights, however they have played two more games than the Knights. Let's take a look at some notable rankings and stats through roughly the first month of the season.

Points Percentage - .656 (8th)

The Kings have 21 points through the first 16 games for a point percentage of .656, which is the second-best in the Pacific Division. The Vegas Golden Knights are ahead of them at .714 (which is tied for 6th best) but they are only slightly ahead of the Vancouver Canucks, who are at .654.

While it is a great start, there is a case to be made that this should be significantly better with losses to the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks and an overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators. The Kings are also looking for their first overtime win of the season with losses in three chances.

Goals For Per Game - 3.38 (12th)

The Los Angeles Kings are currently in the middle of the NHL with an average of 3.38 goals per game with Alex Laferriere leading the team with nine through 16 games. There is no question that it is surprising that Laferriere is at the top after only 12 goals all of last season but he continues to produce and looks to be well on his way to a 30+ goal season.

Goals Against Per Game - 2.28 (9th)

On the other end of the ice, the Kings are in the Top 10 in Goals Against Per Game with an average of only 2.28. The starts have been evenly split through the first 16 games with Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich each getting eight starts, although Kuemper did miss a few games due to injury earlier in the season.

Both goalies have had an awful game, Kuemper allowing eight goals against Ottawa and Rittich allowing six against Vegas, but also have had impressive games, Kuemper with a shutout against Nashville and Rittich allowing only one goal to Minnesota. While it might not be an exactly even split between the two, it will probably be close to 50/50 for the remainder of the year.

Penalty Minutes Per Game - 11.7 (2nd)
Opposing Penalty Minutes Per Game - 11.5 (1st)

One stat that really stands out is penalty minutes per game, both for the Los Angeles Kings and the opposing team. The Kings currently have the second most penalty minutes per game with the team they are playing ranking first.

These are significant numbers that can affect a team's flow in a game as the Kings are spending a lot of time in special teams, either on the power play or killing a penalty. The Kings have done a pretty good job killing penalties, roughly in the middle of the NHL at 78.69%, but not capitalizing when they have the man-advantage. They have a power play percentage of 16.36%, which ranks 22nd in the league.

If there is an area that Jim Hiller needs to put his attention and effort towards it is certainly finding a way to improve the power play units for the Kings.