The Kings boast several defensively sound players on the blue line. With Anderson back, they now have four solid defensemen that can reasonably handle higher-tiered matchups: Drew Doughty, who is still finding his rhythm after missing half a season due to injury; Vladislav Gavrikov and Joel Edmundson, both effective shutdown defensemen; and Gavrikov, in particular, is having a standout year in a contract season.
Gavrikov and Anderson formed a strong top pairing while Doughty was out. Although they aren't remotely elite offensively, this duo consistently faced tough competition while effectively neutralizing top players. Via NST, in 704:04 minutes of even-strength play this season, they have maintained a Corsi percentage of 52.71% and a Fenwick percentage of 53.23%. While on the ice together, the team outshoots opponents 291-271, out chances them 309-259, and has a goal differential of 19-18. They also lead in high-danger chances (132-92) and high-danger goals (11-8).
As Doughty continues to lead the defense, the question remains whether he will be paired with Anderson or someone else for the foreseeable future. Doughty will lead them in time on ice, despite age, players on the roster, and future schematic. This is a certainty for the current management; however, the identity of his partner for the stretch run is less clear.
During Doughty's six-game return, he spent considerable time playing alongside Gavrikov, who has struggled since their partnership began. Away from Doughty, Gavrikov has a Corsi percentage of 53.87% and a Fenwick percentage of 54.46%. However, when paired with Doughty, those figures drop to 47.40% and 50.42%, respectively. His goal-for percentage declines from 53.45% to 50%, while his high-danger goals-for percentage drops from 58.62% to 33.3%.
Doughty has been playing for Team Canada and is slowly getting back to his high level of performance. It is unclear if he's fully regained his form when performances for individuals on such a team look good on paper but to the eye, it certainly helps to play with a plethora of superstars.
These statistics do not fully account for the rust that Doughty may still be shaking off after his long absence. Nonetheless, it's important not to continue experimenting with pairings as the trade deadline and playoffs approach.
This situation leaves limited options for Doughty unless Jim Hiller decides to pair him with Jacob Moverare, who, in all fairness, might be the odd man out with Anderson's activation. The Doughty-Moverare pairing has seen less ice time (15:40) and has produced worse overall numbers compared to Doughty's time with Gavrikov. An alternative pairing of Doughty-Edmundson has been even less effective than Doughty-Moverare in just 21:12 of ice time.
The fates of Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke also play a role in this puzzle. Both players have shown the ability to perform well alongside Edmundson, with Clarke embracing a more high-event style. Clarke would become too much of a liability if inserted into the top four for tougher matchups, especially considering the team's defensively potent schematic. He would unlikely take on permanent responsibilities in the top four until next season, and possibly Doughty's retirement until he becomes the bonafide number one in Los Angeles.
On the other hand, Spence has strong suppression numbers despite not facing regular tough opponents, making him the clear choice for the second pairing. At the same time, Doughty reunites with the reliable Anderson. Spence and Gavrikov have been exceptional together. In 61:46 of ice time this season, they boast a Corsi percentage of 67.86% and a Fenwick percentage of 67.57%. They have outshot the opposition 41-13, outscored them 3-1, and out chanced them 25-15. Additionally, they have outperformed in high-danger chances (9-6) and have allowed only one high-danger goal this season.
While Spence is currently the subject of trade rumors linked to Rob Blake's search for a right-handed forward in the top six, he remains a crucial piece of the defensive puzzle that has turned his game around after having some early struggles to start the year.