Kings Top Six Show Signs of Breakthrough

Three Kings players have distinguished themselves this season – not the usual suspects: Alex Turcotte, Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke. Clarke has led the team’s defensive core with 12 points over 13 games. Turcotte’s status remains uncertain since being knocked from his top line position against Nashville Predators late in the second period; despite this he carried them for long stretches during their inaugural ten games to earn promotion to that line. Byfield hasn’t exactly stood out as being particularly notable since his move back into center has not gone to plan and he still has not scored a goal this season. After the game, Howard gave no specific update regarding Turcotte, saying only: “I spoke to him. No specific news.” He should be alright; not sure when he’ll be back into class but everything appears fine.” — Jared Shafran (@ShafReign), November 5, 2024With all these players or factors considered, what drives this team forward is its top six. Until Nashville game time came along, however, their impact had been rather subdued. Anze Kopitar scored his inaugural hat trick of the season early on but has seen his scoring decline almost instantly since. Adrian Kempe can fill up the net as one of several forty or thirty goal scorers on their team. He currently has four goals through 12 games, which amounts to 27 over the 82-game season; however, his five-on-five play and powerplay impact has yet to develop fully. Meanwhile, Trevor Moore experienced his inaugural 30-goal season last season yet has only one goal scored so far this year. Phillip Danault recently broke out of a goalless streak against Chicago Blackhawks; Kevin Fiala nearly scored every game but failed to establish himself with Byfield until being switched back onto Danault and Moore and finally getting some results against Nashville, when Kopitar scored with an uncontested bank shot off Jusse Saros for their inaugural goal of 2017. A shot was developed through the hard work of Kempe near the blue line, who helped cultivate it through their diligent practice on top. Kempe was eventually recognized for his outstanding and responsible overall play with an empty netter from Kempe himself, while Fiala from Fiala scored on an offensive rebound after Saros made a crucial stop against Danault during one-on-one opportunities. Moore earned an early penalty against Nashville during their comeback attempt and the score against Nashville showed what happens when their top six leaves their mark in such an authoritative and dominant way. Shutouts are the ultimate sign that a team game has come together, but are only achieved when your top six is successful at its matches. While top six players may dominate most matchups on an eveningly basis, depending on them alone for success is no guarantee over an 82+ game season. Our top line was truly outstanding this past season! NaturalStatTrick showed that after just 5 hours and 30 minutes together, only 10-4 in favor of Center Fielder Cam Atkins was recorded, for an overall 71.43% Corsi rating. Turcotte’s potential absence will cause major roster shifts. With Drew Doughty out due to injury, Los Angeles attempted to patchwork their way through early season games – their 7-3-3 record testifies to that. Unknown extent of possible top winger injury will force Los Angeles to adjust their approach during coming weeks; top six hopes could change but hope their mojo remains intact, starting with Minnesota trip this month.