I admit it, I was very wrong about the LA Kings going into the 2023 season when I picked them to miss the playoffs. How did I get this so wrong? There were three major reasons, players (and positions) that massively outperformed my expectations.
@Los Angeles Kings
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Update: After last night, QB1 is now at *Eight goals. đ
Also, speaking of the King's defense, don't forget they're so loaded that they have Turcotte simmering in the AHL right now, leading in scoring and making it look like a beer league.
How do you make a video about the Kings and not mention what an absolute stud Trevor Moore has been this season?
They MIGHT be one of the best teams in the league? They ARE currently one of the best both in points and advanced metrics. I swear it doesn't matter what they will never get the props they deserve.
Cam Talbot has been good for the Kings, but his resurgence is due to the team defense in front of the goalie rather than solely from the Goalie himself( although he IS playing great). The acquisition of Englund, who NO ONE talks about, is another excellent off move. Consider also the Kings young talent (Brandt Clark is still in the AHL and waiting for a chance) and the Kings will be a very good team for along time. GKG!
Kings fans know about Byfield from last year when he was put on the top line. Spence has been waiting for his chance for at least year, but the logjam on the Kings right side defense had to be cleared out (Walker, Durzi,Grans) The surprise for me is seeing Andreas Englund emerge on the left side with Spence. The guy is a warrior and plays really well. I don't expect stat geeks to know these things because they don't watch the games, but I get it , you are forgiven! hehehe.
I didnt think Byfield would turn it around. I had lost hope for him. But now, I think he can be one of the best in the league. Great job QB!!! GKG!
they "might be" one of the best in the NHL?? MIGHT BE???? lol jk GKG!!
Its really good to be a Kings fan. Ive seen the ups and downs for 50 years. Go Kings go!! We still have Clarke and Turcotte who need spots.
CORRECTION: Talbot has 2 shutouts this season!! GKG!
#1 is goals for #1 goals against, goalie with #2 is S%. 11-0 on the road. âMight be one of the bestâ đ
We forgive you. Also gotta give props to coach Todd. He's the man
I remember that take, thinking this guy knows nothing about the NHL. Almost everyone thought the Kings would at least make the playoffs. Look at their roster. I get that the Goaltending is a pleasant surprise, but the Kings are a franchise that would attack the market if they had to.
âwrong side of 35â cries silently
Among the fans who actually follow the Kings and can speak with authority about it, Spence and Byfield are not surprises at all. Lots of Kings fans clamoring last year for Spence to get more playing time, but Durzi was kind of blocking him. You still underrate Anderson and Gavrikov (whose first name is Vladislav, not Victor). The big surprises have been Englund and, to a lesser extent, Talbot. Some Kings fans predicted that he would benefit from a defense that suppresses shots well.
Road Kings
MIGHT BE one of the best teams? 1st in goals, 1st in fewest goals, #1 penalty kill, what do you mean MIGHT BE? lol
Your conclusions in your top 3 is wrong. Byfield: you canât bust at age 20 when youâre playing on a playoff teamâs first line; Spence: itâs all GavrikovâŠSpence is often a liability (itâs ok, heâs young and contributing other ways) but itâs because Gav is so good because heâs playing for his next contract; Talbot: he was a decent NHL goaltender but once you put him behind an eager Gav and a highly motivated Doughty, suddenly the whole team looks great because the team has excellent and properly paired defensemen (RHsD and LHsD per pair). Spence gets the least dangerous minutes and Talbot sees one chance and he can make that first save.
This is a textbook example of have a strong top six defense and solid centers down the middle (Kopitar-PLD-Danault-Lizotte) makes a difficult team to beat.
Nice backhanded "apology". Thumbs down.
As a kings fan, I forgive you because I wouldnât have imagined the season going like this
As a Kings fan, looking at this team on paper. They looked really good. But I wondered if they could bring it on the ice. And they have so far. I also worried about Byfield. But he has shown so much improvement in a lot aspects in his game. I just hope they can keep it up all season.
Talbot had 32 wins and was an All-Star just 2 years ago. he was 17-14 last year on a not so good Ottawa team. his only question was durability.
Byfield JUST turned 21 before the season started, and was showing great progress in driving play near the end of last season at 20. A season he started with a broken ankle.
People that were saying bust are those that don't watch the Kings.
Spence has been a top defenseman in every league he's played in.
And of course you were wrong about Gavrikov you don't even know what his name is. his impact is more than just on the ice, he has helped the locker room gel and is always uplifting and inspiring his teammates.
And yet they still downplay Byfield here. That top line of the Kings with Kempe and Byfield centered by Kopistar may very well be the best line in all of hockey at this minute. Their numbers and stats say as much anyway.
Real question: How many wins do we need, how many shutouts or record breaking stats do we need to upgrade from âMight be one of the best teamsâ to definitely one of the best teams
Do you watch Kings games? Byfield is more than just above average. Kings fans have heard the bust label for Byfield and how the team missed on Stuzle. We wonât be hearing that anymore. Byfield is going to be an elite player.
Spence has been amazing at every level he has played at. Plus right now we have Brandt Clarke leading the AHL in D man scoring right now as a rookie. Going to be a great offensive threat but still needs to work on his two way game (which is what he is doing right now in the AHL).
Talbot will drop off at some point he may burn out come playoff time
Tell me you havenât watched the kings without telling me đ. I knew Q was going to have a breakout season. Along with our D core is one of the leagues best also the leagues most underrated. Honestly I agree with you on Talbot. But With our d core I thought we were going to be ok, did I think cam would be vezna caliber, no lol đ
Also the kings are doing this without a 30 goal scorer last season in Arvidson. Who should be back in Feb!