The Los Angeles Kings are off to an 8-3-3 start after 14 games. Déjà vu? It should be: they posted the same record at this point last season, in 2023-24, riding high on lofty expectations. This season, however, began with tempered hopes from both fans and analysts. Yet here they are, 8-3-3 once more.
But this isn’t a repeat of last year’s story. In fact, there are strong indicators that this season’s success could be more sustainable. Here’s what’s setting the Kings apart thus far in 2024-25:
1. Balanced Scoring
Despite not settling on consistent lines, head coach Jim Hiller has received balanced scoring from his lineup. Five of the Kings’ top-nine forwards have already scored at least five goals (Laferierre, Kopitar, Kempe, Fiala, and Foegele), spreading the offensive load. In contrast, last season’s early scoring relied heavily on three players: Kopitar, Kempe, and Moore.
The blueline is also contributing at a higher rate, tallying 34 points through 14 games, compared to just 24 points from defensemen at the same point last season. Even more impressive, they’ve done this without any points from Drew Doughty, who hasn’t played this season. This depth scoring gives the Kings an edge in overcoming individual slumps and adds an element of resilience across all four lines.
2. Players Still Finding Their Groove
Key players like Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore are off to slower starts than last season. By November 7, 2023, Byfield had recorded 2 goals and 11 assists, while Moore had 7 goals and 5 assists. Both are below that pace this year, but it’s likely temporary. Both are shooting at just over 3%, compared to over 12% last season—a percentage that should normalize as the season progresses, signaling a likely offensive uptick in the weeks to come.
3. Doing it Without Drew
Last season, Drew Doughty led both the Kings and the NHL in average ice time at 26:15 through 14 games. He has yet to log a second in 2024-25, but the team hasn’t missed a beat. His eventual return could alter the chemistry, but it’s more likely that Doughty’s experience will only enhance what has been a strong start, adding stability and leadership on the backend.
4. Lightening the Load for Kopitar
It may seem like Anze Kopitar could play forever, but father time has a flawless record for a reason. Even at age 36, Kopitar led all forwards in average TOI last season with 19:36, frequently surpassing the 20 minute mark. While shorthanded, he averaged nearly 2:00 minutes. This season, he’s logging a reduced 18:36 overall, with just 1:12 on the penalty kill. These lighter minutes not only preserve Kopitar’s energy for December and January, but could help sustain his performance into the grueling stretch of April and May.
These factors suggest the Kings may avoid the mid-to-late-season struggles that derailed them last year. Every NHL season has highs and lows, but this year’s Kings seem better equipped to navigate and escape the inevitable challenges and maintain a stronger, more consistent performance through the season.