It’s officially gotten ugly for the Los Angeles Kings. Two goals in four games. A nationally televised shutout at Dodger Stadium. A limp effort yesterday against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Kings simply can’t figure out how to put the puck in the net right now.
— harriet m welsch (@langluy) January 29, 2014
The best part: everyone is blaming different people! So, we wanted to open the floor for discussion and see what you all thought. Here are some potential factors for the Kings’ awful offensive output.
Star Forwards
I’d whine about Trevor Lewis or whatever but that line scored a goal. Richards, Brown, Williams, those guys aren’t doing anything at 5v5.
— Nick Chapin (@dightkwing) January 24, 2014
Depth Forwards
Poor Toffoli though, really. I’m sure he’ll find twine with Fraser and Clifford. #NotHappening #LAKings
— Jason Lewis (@SirJDL) January 23, 2014
Defensemen
if you took a shot every time a Kings defenseman failed to hold a puck in at the blue line lately you would now be dead
— John Carroll (@toshanshuinLA) January 22, 2014
Power Play
Okay, without exaggeration, THAT was the worst power play of the season
— Eric (@hailrover) January 28, 2014
Overall Offensive Philosophy
I wonder what the Kings offense would look like if they didn’t dump and chase as much as they do.
— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) January 29, 2014
Sutter’s Lineup Choices
I feel like Sutter scratched Toffoli just to get back at everyone for complaining that he was on the 4th line.
— THX BUD (@thxbud) January 24, 2014
Bad Luck
The Kings get the 6th most shots in the NHL at 5v5 in close games, but have the lowest shooting percentage. http://t.co/6G60fO7dSN
— Robert P. (@RobertJFTC) January 27, 2014
Vote in the poll, and tell us what you think in the comments. If you want to give a reason not listed in the poll, please, do so! We’ll have some further analysis ourselves [EDIT: Here it is!].
What is the biggest reason the Kings are struggling to score goals?
| Certain star forwards need to be better. | 40 |
| The depth forwards aren’t pulling their weight. | 16 |
| The defensemen aren’t contributing. | 3 |
| The power play can’t capitalize on their opportunities. | 34 |
| The Kings’ style is holding back their scoring. | 67 |
| Sutter’s lineup choices and line combos are to blame. | 36 |
| The Kings have been extremely unlucky. | 24 |