Hold onto your helmets, hockey fans, because the Los Angeles Kings are on a roll—but not without a few bumps in the ice. Just as they’re dominating the road with a league-leading away record, their star defenseman, Drew Doughty, is sidelined with a lower-body injury. And this is where it gets tricky: how will the Kings keep their momentum without their defensive cornerstone? Let’s dive into the details.
The Kings are in the midst of a six-game road trip, and so far, it’s been nothing short of impressive. Coach Jim Hiller has steered his team to four consecutive wins, extending their road points streak to 10 games. With only the Capitals and Sharks left on the schedule, this trip could go down in history—if they can overcome the sudden absence of Doughty. The veteran defenseman took a shot to the foot in Ottawa, ruling him out for the next few weeks. While it’s unrelated to his surgically repaired ankle, it’s a significant blow to a team that’s been firing on all cylinders.
But here’s where it gets controversial: How will the Kings reshuffle their defense to fill the void? Hiller plans to pair Brian Dumoulin with Mikey Anderson, moving Dumoulin to his off side. Jacob Moverare will step into the third pairing, but this is only a temporary fix. With just six healthy defensemen on the roster, the Kings will likely place Doughty on injured reserve and call up an extra blueliner from the AHL’s Ontario Reign. The most obvious choice? Kyle Burroughs, a right-shot defenseman who could slot in seamlessly. However, some fans might argue that Angus Booth, despite his injury history, is the more NHL-ready prospect. Booth has been impressive when healthy, but his durability remains a question mark. Other candidates like Kirill Kirsanov and Samuel Bolduc are in the mix, but all are left shots, complicating the lineup further.
And this is the part most people miss: The Kings’ penalty kill has been stellar against the Capitals, boasting a 92.3% success rate over the last 10 games. Can they maintain this efficiency without Doughty’s leadership on the ice? It’s a challenge that could define their season.
Up front, Andrei Kuzmenko is waiting in the wings for his chance to rejoin the lineup. The 29-year-old has had a slow start to the season, but his skill set could provide a much-needed spark. Meanwhile, Kevin Fiala has been on fire against the Capitals, tallying four goals and five points in his last three games against them. Will he continue his hot streak tonight?
Off the ice, the Kings have locked down Adrian Kempe with an 8-year, $85 million contract extension. This move solidifies Kempe’s role as a franchise cornerstone, but it also raises questions about the team’s salary cap flexibility in the future. Is this a wise investment, or could it handcuff the Kings down the line? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Tonight’s projected lineup against the Capitals features a familiar top line of Armia, Kopitar, and Kempe, with Kuemper guarding the net. The Capitals, coming off a 3-2 loss to New Jersey, will look to Alex Ovechkin to lead the charge. This game marks Darcy Kuemper’s first return to Washington since being traded to the Kings, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
As the Kings navigate this pivotal moment in their season, one thing is clear: their ability to adapt will determine whether this road trip becomes a historic success or a missed opportunity. What do you think—can the Kings keep their streak alive without Doughty? Share your predictions below!
