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Kings’ Remarkable Road Success Enhances Their Stanley Cup Contender Status

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When it comes to winning on the road in the NHL, most teams find it to be a daunting task. But try telling that to the Los Angeles Kings. In the early months of the 2023-24 season, they’ve not only made it look easy but have emerged as a formidable contender for the Stanley Cup.

As of Tuesday night, the Kings boasted an impeccable 9-0-0 record on the road this season, a feat that had them raising eyebrows across the league. Their road to victory, however, took a surprising twist when they fell behind 3-0 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Just when it seemed like their perfect road record was in jeopardy, something remarkable happened. The Kings flipped the switch, netting three goals in the third period to tie the game before Drew Doughty sealed the deal in overtime.

DREW DOUGHTY SAID WE'RE TYING THAT RECORD TONIGHT

This electrifying win not only displayed their resilience but also tied the NHL record for the most consecutive road wins to start a season, a record they have a chance to break in Montreal on Thursday. It’s as if the Kings have unlocked the secret formula for invincibility whenever they step away from the comfort of Crypto.com Arena. While most teams tend to perform better on home ice, the Kings are seemingly enjoying five-star accommodations and top-notch mattresses in every city they visit.

But it’s not just about winning on the road; it’s about dominating. Los Angeles has been crushing opponents away from home, and their statistics speak for themselves:

NHL Rank

  • Goal Differential: +28 (1st)
  • 5-on-5 xG Share: 57.5% (1st)
  • Power Play: 25.0% (10th)
  • Penalty Kill: 87.5% (4th)

Individually, five different Kings players are averaging at least a point per game on the road, showcasing the depth of their offensive prowess. Goaltender Cam Talbot has been nothing short of a brick wall outside of Los Angeles, boasting a jaw-dropping 1.40 goals-against average and a remarkable .951 save percentage in eight appearances.

To be fair, the Kings are a formidable team regardless of their location. Whether it’s L.A., Boston, or even the moon, they find ways to win hockey games. However, what sets them apart is their uncanny ability to secure victories on the road, a skill that could prove invaluable in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The cliché that home ice advantage is paramount in the playoffs doesn’t always hold true, as demonstrated in 2023 when home teams struggled. Last postseason, home teams had a disappointing 41-47 record, with only four teams managing a winning record on their own ice.

In the playoffs, the ability to win on the road becomes even more crucial, and the Kings have mastered this art. As things stand, Los Angeles is well-positioned to secure home-ice advantage for at least one playoff round. While that’s undoubtedly a luxury, it’s even more reassuring to know that if they do happen to stumble at home, they won’t be rattled when entering a hostile environment for a must-win game.

The Kings might have faced setbacks in the past, notably in Game 5 against the Oilers last season and Game 7 the year before, but their newfound road resilience suggests they won’t lack confidence in similar high-stakes situations next spring. With their road success, the Stanley Cup may be within closer reach for the Kings than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stanley Cup Contenders

Q: What is the Los Angeles Kings’ road record in the 2023-24 NHL season?

A: The Los Angeles Kings had an outstanding 9-0-0 road record in the early months of the 2023-24 NHL season.

Q: Who scored the game-winning goal for the Kings in their remarkable comeback against the Columbus Blue Jackets?

A: Drew Doughty was the hero for the Los Angeles Kings, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Q: How do the Kings’ road statistics compare to other NHL teams?

A: The Kings have been dominant on the road, leading the NHL in various categories, including goal differential, 5-on-5 xG share, and penalty kill percentage.

Q: Why is winning on the road important in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

A: Winning on the road in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is crucial because it demonstrates a team’s ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments, where home-ice advantage is less reliable.

Q: Have the Kings faced challenges in previous playoff series, and how does their current road success impact their confidence?

A: The Kings have experienced challenges in past playoff series but are now more confident, thanks to their newfound road resilience, which could prove pivotal in high-stakes playoff games.

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