Two weeks after our previous edition of the Player Power Rankings, the Los Angeles Kings have generally tanked. So, these rankings are going to focus specifically on negatives. Cool? Cool!
1. Jeff Carter (Previous Ranking: 1)
Did NOT score against Anaheim. After getting goals in four straight before that.
2. Anze Kopitar (Previous Ranking: 3)
Was uncharacteristically crappy in three straight games, before bouncing back with a goal and a strong performance against Anaheim. No wonder he played almost 24 minutes.
3. Drew Doughty (Previous Ranking: 2)
Cut himself putting on a skate. Let’s leave it there, because he’s been fine otherwise.
4. Dwight King (Previous Ranking: 4)
Pointless in six straight before this week; suddenly contributing again.
5. Mike Richards (Previous Ranking: 14)
Has been effective offensively as of late, but Darryl Sutter clearly thinks he can get Matt Frattin going, and he hasn’t done so. NEGATIVE!
6. Slava Voynov (Previous: 6)
Boy, he and Willie Mitchell were bad against Boston and Detroit. Like, atrocious.
7. Willie Mitchell (Previous: 5)
Boy, he and Slava Voynov were bad against Boston and Detroit. Like, atrocious. (Both Voynov and Mitchell rebounded with strong possession games against Anaheim.)
8. Jarret Stoll (Previous: 8)
Last year: 18 points in 48 games, in what we all considered to be an offensive drop-off. I think we’d all agree he’s been better this season to the eye (and the possession numbers agree), but how many points does he have through 48 games? 18.
9. Justin Williams (Previous: 7)
Mired in his most severe offensive slump of the season, by far. Probably missing Anze Kopitar severely.
10. Jonathan Quick (Previous: 9)
Mostly good, but wasn’t at his best in Boston. And it’s obviously not his fault, but what a nightmarish goal in Detroit.
11. Trevor Lewis (Previous: 20)
Hahaha, like I’d have anything negative to say about Trevor Lewis right now. That guy rules.
12. Jake Muzzin (Previous: 11)
It’s been a weird two weeks for Muzzin; questionable hit, questionable defensive plays, questionable support from Darryl Sutter. He’s not at his best right now, which doesn’t help ease the load on Drew Doughty.
13. Alec Martinez (Previous: 12)
It’s injury-based, but he’s free. Sutter still isn’t trusting him with tough assignments, though; it’s been a month since he started less than 50% of his shifts in the offensive zone.
14. Dustin Brown (Previous: 13)
After scoring a goal literally seconds into being switched to a line with Kopitar and Carter against Vancouver, he’s done nothing. Guess how many points he has on the road this season? One… and it was in Anaheim.
15. Jordan Nolan (Previous: 15)
I’ve enjoyed his play recently, but I’m trying to block out his defensive lapse on Ryan Johansen’s goal last week.
16. Robyn Regehr (Previous: 10)
Speaking of defensive lapses: I’ve been positive on Regehr in past rankings, but he’s been a bit of a mess lately. It’s showing in his ice time.
17. Matt Frattin (Previous: 18)
Come on. Get a goal, or an assist. Something.
18. Martin Jones (Previous: 17)
Oh, no, Martin Jones. No, no, no.
19. Colin Fraser (Previous: 21)
He and the fourth line had a rough evening on Thursday. His lineup spot appears at least somewhat safe right now, though.
20. Kyle Clifford (Previous: 19)
Clifford has basically been invisible. If Toffoli gets back in, which winger would you pull? I’d pull Clifford.
Unranked: Tyler Toffoli, Jeff Schultz
Waiting their turn.
Injured: Matt Greene
Demoted: Tanner Pearson, Linden Vey
Agree? Disagree? Tell us how you’d change the rankings.
