As the Kings exited the Olympic Break, things were supposed to be better, especially after acquiring Artemi Panarin. But after Thursday night’s performance against the rival Edmonton Oilers, all the optimism gathered over the break has vanished like mist in the sun.
Not only did the Kings lose to a shorthanded Vegas team on Wednesday night, but they followed it up with arguably their worst performance of the season on Thursday. Edmonton dominated from start to finish, as the game was over halfway through the second period.
Even goaltender Darcy Kuemper, one of the team’s only bright spots through the first half of the season, was pulled after surrendering 4 goals on 15 shots. Edmonton’s second goal, scored by Vasili Podkolzin, was especially ugly, as it bounced off of Kuemper’s underarm and in.
Overall, Thursday’s game was an extremely lackluster performance from LA. Fire Hiller chants were audible from the crowd in the third period, as his seat is probably the hottest it’s been all season long.
Hiller remained confident in his team, stating, “We are gonna go on a run here,” in the postgame press conference.
Despite Hiller’s confidence, it is incredibly difficult to see how the Kings can put together any stretch of good play after their last two outings. Yes, the Kevin Fiala season-ending injury makes things more difficult, but after adding one of the best players in the league in Panarin, losing on two consecutive nights by a combined total of 9 goals is lackluster. Making matters worse is that their two losses were against Pacific Division opponents, teams the Kings need to beat to gain ground in the playoff race.
The Kings have some serious soul-searching to do as an organization following the 8-1 drubbing on home ice. They will try to right the ship on Saturday as the Calgary Flames visit for a matinee at 4 p.m. PT.