Three up and three down. While trying to make sense of things so far, three games stand as a less than intuitive point of view. As the road trip continues, here are some things that stand out.
Almost halfway through this historically long road trip, the Kings team presented so far is ambiguous and inconsistent. It is only three games in, and that is a presentable argument for a team in a weary position of starting the season on the back foot without their best defenseman.
Ten games in would provide some excellent insight and data for this team. Three games aren't enough. However, after three games, some eyes started to open to what this team potentially is.
Eleven goals in three games is not ideal. That number is clearly ballooned by the eight goals allowed in a disastrous game where the Kings still collected a point. After killing their first ten penalties, they allowed four against Ottawa.
The Kings pressure the puck and the next outlet with aplomb thus far. Yes, quick passes move them out of position, but the sight of Quinton Byfield and Warren Foegele on the kill is excellent news for this franchise.
With 11 goals scored and 11 allowed, the Kings are maintaining an even balance. They've scored four powerplay goals and conceded four, showing a level playing field. Their plus one at even strength is a positive sign, but their negative performance on special teams, with one short-handed goal allowed, is an area for improvement.
After a masterful performance in the first two games, Darcy Kuemper had a clunker in game three, expedited by an overall poor team game. Going into the season, eyebrows were already raised regarding the offset piece for Pierre Luc Dubois; any more game three showings from Kuemper will exponentially turn up the heat from management.
The young D men are weening. Growth pains will happen to young players, and while Jordan Spence has already played over 104 games in his career, he has yet to face top competition on a night-to-night basis consistently. That goes to Brandt Clarke, too, who deftly added three assists to become the second-ever defenseman to do so at his age, joining Drew Doughty.
Both players have a combined 12 penalty minutes in just three games, averaging 328 penalty minutes between them over 82 games. The two will unlikely see that number, but going through the process is still a positive.
The players will continue to be heavily relied upon moving forward. Doughty will not be available for months.
While it is good to have your young players grow into the roles and potential you hope for, slipping in the season's first quarter calls for a track meet down the stretch that the Kings have yet to successfully perform since their first cup run.
There is still a long way to go.
The good news is that they are also still undefeated in regulation. That will be put to the test tomorrow at they play Toronto.