Penalty kill was a big focal point during today’s practice, as the Kings addressed the league’s lowest-ranked unit

The Los Angeles Kings made their league-worst penalty kill a primary focal point during practice following recent struggles. Head coach Peter Laviolette emphasized the need for better execution, structure, and detail after the team conceded two power-play goals against the Buffalo Sabres. The Kings utilized offensive players such as Kevin Fiala, Mats Zuccarello, and Artemi Panarin to simulate opposing power-play units during dedicated penalty-kill drills.

While the Kings have primarily sought to avoid overburdening top offensive players with penalty-killing duties, personnel changes are being evaluated. Players including Adrian Kempe, Alex Laferriere, and Quinton Byfield recently took practice reps on the penalty kill. Defenseman Joel Edmundson and forward Scott Laughton both highlighted that defensive breakdowns, failed clears, and lack of pressure have directly cost the team victories.