Angeles Analysis – In Need Of A Special Delivery

Zach Dooley of LA Kings Insider analyzes how poor special teams performance continues to cost the Los Angeles Kings games, highlighted by a recent 3-2 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres. Despite dominating 5-on-5 play with season highs of 66 shot attempts and 31 scoring chances, the Kings surrendered two power-play goals, including Tage Thompson's third-period game-winner, while failing to capitalize on crucial late-game advantages.

Dooley writes that despite prioritized offseason focus under general manager Ken Holland and head coach Peter Laviolette, execution remains ineffective. Los Angeles ranks in the NHL's bottom ten in both power play and penalty kill, having converted just five of their last 30 power-play opportunities while conceding a power-play goal in six of their last seven contests.