The Kings suffered their fourth overtime loss of the season against the Nashville Predators, bringing their extra time record to 0-4. Their third overtime loss also came during this road trip against the Pittsburgh Penguins. In that instance, they conceded two leads, one in the third period. For the Kings, securing points in OT has been a battle and sometimes having small victories, highlighted on Saturday in a game where they entered the third period trailing 2-0. Is their record in three-on-three situations a cause for concern? With a record of 19 wins, 9 losses, and 5 overtime losses, the Kings have managed to secure all their wins in regulation, with only one shootout loss against the Chicago Blackhawks in early November. As the season progresses toward April, the competition will intensify, and games are likely to be decided by two goals or fewer. The Kings’ 19 regulation wins rank seventh in the league, but they have now missed out on an additional five points. These points could become crucial as the race for positioning in the increasingly competitive Pacific Division tightens. Comparisons to the 2014-15 season, when the Kings—coached by Darryl Sutter—accumulated 15 overtime losses and narrowly missed the final wildcard spot by just four points to the Winnipeg Jets, may not be too far-fetched at this stage. Despite the two overtime losses, management and players will consider the recent road trip a success, finishing with a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 2 overtime losses (3-1-2). However, these overtime losses are starting to accumulate quickly. In the past, the Kings excelled in three-on-three situations after the disappointing ‘14-15 season where they failed to defend the Stanley Cup. Lately, they have struggled in this area. Darryl Sutter could have had one of the best seasons in Kings' history in 2014-15, a season while defending the Stanley Cup. Instead, they accumulated 15 losses in shootout/overtime and missed the playoffs entirely despite a 40 win season [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNTYzMTA1Mzg0MTQ2NDY3/usatsi_9251198.jpg] Darryl Sutter could have had one of the best seasons in Kings' history in 2014-15, a season while defending the Stanley Cup. Instead, they accumulated 15 losses in shootout/overtime and missed the playoffs entirely despite a 40 win season Drew Doughty's return is expected to have a significant impact on the team's performance [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/taking-a-look-at-drew-doughtys-potential-return]. His activation could serve as the team's only "acquisition" this season. How he may assist the Kings in succeeding during overtime or help reduce the chances of reaching overtime remains uncertain but considering he’s a regular 3-on-3 starter, some sort of impact can be expected. The Kings boast talented forwards who can attack with speed, including Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield, and Warren Foegele. However, much like the team, none of these players have yet found success in overtime situations. Next up, the Kings will look to reset and aim for a quick turnaround against the Washington Capitals. This will be a special reunion for both teams, as they face off for the first time this season. After playing an extended game against Nashville, LA may feel the effects of overtime, especially with a back-to-back against a formidable opponent in the nation's capital. Should they lose, their seven-game road trip will match their initial seven-game road trip of the season, which ended with a record of 3 wins, 2 losses, and 2 overtime losses (3-2-2). Mirroring the same record has its positive and negative connotations, yet this time there is a feeling of what could have been. While the Kings' overtime record isn’t currently a major point of concern, if the trend continues, the points left on the table could haunt them come April. KeithFriesKeysTHNWeek3
