The Los Angeles Kings are looking to capitalize on Drew Doughty's return from injury as they try to navigate the challenging midpoint of their regular season.
The Los Angeles Kings are navigating the challenging midpoint of their regular season, with 50 games already under their belt and 2 ½ months remaining. Coach Jim Hiller acknowledges the inherent difficulties of this period, describing it as a test of resilience for the entire team. However, the Kings may have found a crucial source of motivation in the return of star defenseman Drew Doughty from a left ankle injury.
Doughty's season debut, which occurred during a recent five-game road trip, has injected a significant dose of energy into the team. Kings president Luc Robitaille and captain Anze Kopitar both emphasize Doughty's invaluable impact, comparing his return to a major trade acquisition. Doughty's presence on the ice, averaging over 25 minutes in his first three games, is expected to be a major asset as the Kings aim to improve their performance.The Kings, who secured a victory against Carolina in their final road game, are seeking to overcome a recent slump. Their win was only their third in the past 11 games, matching their worst skid from last season. That previous downturn led to the dismissal of coach Todd McLellan and nearly jeopardized the team's playoff hopes. Doughty, despite needing time to regain his fitness and adapt to new teammates and coaching strategies, is determined to contribute to the team's success. He is eager to demonstrate his readiness for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, where he hopes to make the Canadian roster.The Kings' quest to overcome the challenges of the season's midpoint extends beyond Doughty's return. With the trade deadline approaching in a month, the team is actively considering its options to address their scoring needs. Their primary focus is acquiring a skilled winger to complement Adrian Kempe, the team's leading scorer with 24 goals. However, the Kings face limitations in terms of salary cap space, restricting their ability to take on significant contracts. Trading young prospects like Brandt Clarke or Jordan Spence is a possibility, although the team would prefer to move less essential players like Trevor Moore. The Kings anticipate a boost from playing the majority of their remaining games at home, where they have a strong record.
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