Key Highlights
- The Kings begin a five-game road trip against the Blue Jackets on March 9.
- Drew Doughty enters the game with a five-game point streak against Columbus.
- The Kings have played well under interim head coach D.J. Smith but lost to Montreal, ending their playoff hopes.
- Quinton Byfield returns from injury and faces expectations of elevating his play.
- Scott Laughton’s line with Turcotte and Wright has shown promise.
The Kings Head To Ohio
Los Angeles Kings face the Columbus Blue Jackets in a crucial game as they begin their five-game road trip. The Kings, under interim head coach D.J. Smith, have been on an upward trajectory but lost to Montreal, missing out on a playoff spot.
Doughy’s Return And Byfield’s Potential
Defenseman Drew Doughty is riding a five-game point streak against Columbus and has shown his worth in the past with 24 assists and 33 points. With Quinton Byfield returning from an injury, there are hopes that he can contribute significantly to this lineup. Smith emphasized the need for physicality and forechecking, which could be key for Byfield.
Byfield’s combination of size and speed is unique in today’s NHL. However, he has struggled to consistently put his tools together, making Smith’s comments encouraging as they point towards a more aggressive style that could help him.
Scoring Lineups And Skating
The Kings have been playing faster under D.J. Smith with Scott Laughton’s line showing promise alongside Alex Turcotte and Jared Wright. Wright, in particular, has impressed with his skating despite not recording any speed bursts of 22 MPH yet.
Wright’s ability to accelerate and reach top speed is elite, a skill that will be crucial as he adjusts to the NHL game where defensemen are particularly skilled at shutting down their opponents. Wright mentioned that positional play and stick work in the NHL require adjustments, but his skating remains a standout asset.
The Road Ahead
With 20 games remaining, the Kings can’t afford any more slip-ups as they hit the road for back-to-back games against Boston. The game on Eastern time is challenging due to the lack of an off day to adjust, but the Kings will treat it like a typical afternoon matinee.
The Kings need to show the same effort and work ethic they displayed at home while also finding ways to win in their dominant performances. This road trip comes with increased pressure as every game is vital for playoff contention. The challenge is clear: battle through the tough schedule, or risk falling further behind.
