Despite having some great players, why are the Los Angeles Kings consistently bad each year?

Answer 1

That's easy.

Goaltending is something they have not gotten right since Kelly Hrudey, or I would even say since Rogie Vachon!

Give the Kings of this year just an AVERAGE save percentage and they have given up 50 less goals, and that alone likely puts them in the playoffs.

It's bringing tears to my eyes. A parade of Goaltenders who were supposed to be the answer.....Fitzpatrick, Stauber, Storr, and now Garon.....Two Goaltenders named Checkmanek and Cloutier that EVERYONE EXCEPT the Kings knew were not the answer......

And unless and until this is fixed, all the Kopitars, Frolovs, Jack Johnsons and Camalleris will not take this team to the playoffs.

Answer 2

Maybe my answer is biased by geography (you will understand in a moment) since I live near Ottawa but I think that other reposnders have hit the nail on the head for two or three reasons.

1. Goaltending - I would assume that LA would be right in the middle of a playoff hunt if they had gotten Roberto Luongo and not Vancouver.

2. Chemistry - I don't see enough LA games to know if this is the case, but in honesty, I rarely see New Jersey Devils games, yet I can name players on each of their four lines, and one defenceman from each pairing, because they play as a team unit - not individual stars. Who plays in LA now? I think I can name four players if I am lucky,.

LA is also crippled by the fact that owners and managers think they should be Cup contenders every year and when they fail, replace the coaching staff, trainers, and scouts meaning the team must learn a completely new philosophy. I mean - Marc Crawford is a COMPLTELY different type of coach than Andy Murray (not counting John Torchetti) who was different than Larry Robinson. How are teams supposed to gel with players moving in and out, strategies changing year-by-year, and owners never knowing if they will make profit or lose big?

The Kings need a marquis player to draw in the crowds and for other players to rally around. Pittsburgh was a dodgy team until Sidney Crosby came into his own this year, and one can look at a team like Nashville that wallowed until Paul Kariya arrived and led the charge. LA needs to sign a BIG name in the off-season and build the team around that person - meaning no offense to who is already there.

Answer 3

They are not bad every year-just most! If the Kings can get a good goalie they will make the playoffs. They finally have a good core of young players and plenty of prospects and picks to make trades. They were on their way up fast a couple years ago-before they lost Deadmarsh and Allison to head injuries and Pallfy with his bum shoulder. That stuff happens though. I enjoy being a Kings fan-we are just like Dodger fans-always filling the building and having fun. the ducks have a great team-have for years-but no one goes to the games and no one understands the game. At least Kings fans know why and how we suck! the ducks give away 3-4 thousand tickets a game-I thought a sell out was when tickets were sold. Any hoot, I think the Kings will get better-much better if they get a goalie, and if not-I will still love them. I am trying to enjoy the rivalry with the ducks before they move to Portland.

Answer 4

Very poor trades and signings. They take players after they have peaked, or are coming off an injury. They took Blake back which really isnt a bad move but at the same time he is past his prime. Jason Allison was coming off an injury and did nothing for the team after they got him. They got rid of Conroy which was a poor trade in my opinion. They really need a solid goaltender as well. They need to do what Vancouver did and do what it takes to get a number one Goalie.

Answer 5

In a nutshell, their Goaltending is not all that great. I mean they essentially don't have a "#1" Netminder, whether it's because of injuries or whatever the problem is. The Kings need a Netminder something terrible.

Answer 6

I just hope the don't get rid of the team. Your right look at the great players you played for them. Gretzky. Yeah I like watching them play they still have not found the right key to success

Answer 7

well for one they play agaist alot of very good teams as well. Secondly i think alot has to do with the team chemistry. Alot of bad teams have good players but they dont gell well together and love and trust one another like a real team should.

Answer 8

maybe b/c they live in LA where u can't get natural ice and probably not enough practice year round??
Or maybe b/c hockey may not be popular in LA as it in further north, and so the team struggles. If no one comes to cheer u on, it can being a team down.

Answer 9

Lack of team chemistry. Even the years that they make the playoffs, it's always an early exit. I wish they could get their act together but it seems that no matter who's coaching them or who they pick up, they can't win.

Answer 10

i ask myself that too year after year. you have to realize that they are also in a very tough division, too. they finish with winning records but just dont seem to make that final cut. its only a matter of time my friend and you will see lord stanley in the city of angles....