As the NHL season fast approaches, fans are eager to see how their favorite teams will perform, especially within their divisions. For the Los Angeles Kings, their success this season will largely depend on how well they match up against their Pacific Division opponents. The Pacific Division is stacked with both seasoned contenders and rebuilding teams, making it a competitive battleground. Let’s dive into how the Kings compare against each of their seven division rivals in the 2024-25 season.
1. Anaheim Ducks
The Kings have maintained a strong record against the Anaheim Ducks, going 3-1-0 in the 2023-24 season. The Ducks are in the latter stages of a rebuild, featuring a young and promising core of players like Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and Leo Carlsson. While the future is bright for Anaheim, their current roster lacks depth and experience, giving the Kings the upper hand.
- Forwards: The Kings take the lead here. The Ducks’ young forwards are talented but inexperienced compared to the Kings’ deeper, more polished offensive lineup.
- Defensemen: Los Angeles also boasts a stronger defensive core, with emerging stars like Brandt Clarke providing depth the Ducks can’t match.
- Goaltending: This category is a close call. While veterans John Gibson for the Ducks and Darcy Kuemper for the Kings are nearing the twilight of their careers, Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal offers promise as a backup, giving the Ducks a slight edge in goal.
2. Calgary Flames
After a 2-2-0 record against Calgary last season, the Kings face a Flames team in retooling mode. Calgary’s roster has a few standout names like Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau, but overall, it’s a weakened lineup that will struggle to compete.
- Forwards: Los Angeles has a significantly stronger forward group compared to Calgary’s relatively thin offensive talent.
- Defensemen: The Flames, once known for their elite defensive depth, have seen a decline in this area. Los Angeles, on the other hand, has remained stable on defense, giving them the edge.
- Goaltending: With both teams having new faces in net, the Kings’ experience and proven goaltending duo provide them with an advantage over the Flames’ Dustin Wolf, who is unproven at the NHL level.
3. Edmonton Oilers
Facing the Oilers, the Kings will have to contend with the league’s most dominant offensive duo in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Edmonton has continually added depth to their forward group, making them a powerhouse offensively.
- Forwards: There’s no contest here—McDavid and Draisaitl give Edmonton the clear advantage. The Kings’ forwards simply can’t match the firepower of the Oilers.
- Defensemen: Los Angeles shines on defense. While Edmonton’s blue line has been an Achilles’ heel, the Kings’ defensive depth, led by veterans and rising stars, is far superior.
- Goaltending: Edmonton’s goaltending duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard edges out the Kings’ tandem of Kuemper and David Rittich, though both teams will need consistency in goal to succeed.
4. San Jose Sharks
The Kings dominated the San Jose Sharks last season, going 3-0-1. The Sharks are still deep into their rebuild, and while they’ve added talent, it won’t be enough to make them competitive in the division this season.
- Forwards: Los Angeles easily outclasses San Jose’s young and developing forward group.
- Defensemen: The Kings are once again the stronger team on defense. San Jose’s lack of NHL-ready defensemen puts them at a significant disadvantage.
- Goaltending: While the Sharks have young goalie Yaroslav Askarov, his limited NHL experience puts him behind Kuemper, giving the Kings the edge in the crease.
5. Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken are a team on the rise after their first playoff appearance in franchise history. Last season, the Kings went 2-1-0 against Seattle, and they’ll face a tougher test this year as the Kraken continue to improve.
- Forwards: The Kings and Kraken have similar forward depth, but Los Angeles edges out Seattle with its top-end talent and scoring prowess.
- Defensemen: The Kraken have one of the strongest defensive groups in the Pacific Division, with players like Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson providing stability. Seattle gets the edge here.
- Goaltending: Both teams have questions in goal, but Los Angeles has the more proven tandem, especially after Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer struggled last season.
6. Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have transformed into a powerhouse in the Pacific Division. With star players at all three positions, Vancouver is poised to be one of the top teams in the league this season.
- Forwards: Vancouver’s forward group, led by Elias Pettersson, is one of the best in the division. The Kings can’t compete with the Canucks’ depth and star power up front.
- Defensemen: The Canucks have done an excellent job of improving their defense, led by Quinn Hughes. Vancouver’s blue line is superior to the Kings’ defensive corps.
- Goaltending: Vancouver’s Thatcher Demko is one of the best goalies in the league, and even though injuries have been a concern, the Canucks’ goaltending tandem outmatches Los Angeles.
7. Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights, fresh off their Stanley Cup win, remain one of the most formidable teams in the Pacific Division. The Kings split their season series with Vegas last year, going 1-1-1.
- Forwards: Both teams have elite talent, but the Kings get the edge with a deeper and faster forward group. While Vegas lost key forwards in free agency, Los Angeles has a more complete roster.
- Defensemen: Vegas’ defense is one of the best in the league, led by Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo. The Kings’ defense, while strong, can’t compare to Vegas.
- Goaltending: Adin Hill’s emergence as a star goaltender for the Golden Knights solidifies their advantage in the crease. Hill’s playoff success makes him a stronger option than Kuemper.
2024-25 Pacific Division Predictions
Based on their matchups within the division, here’s how the Kings are expected to finish in the Pacific:
- Vancouver Canucks
- Edmonton Oilers
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Los Angeles Kings
- Seattle Kraken
- Anaheim Ducks
- Calgary Flames
- San Jose Sharks
The Kings have a good chance of making the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, but they’ll need to perform consistently against their division rivals. With teams like the Canucks, Oilers, and Golden Knights at the top of the division, Los Angeles faces a tough road ahead. However, with a balanced roster and improved depth, the Kings could surprise many and push for a deep playoff run.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Kings are one of the better teams in the Pacific Division, but they’ll need to step up their game to keep pace with the division’s top contenders. From an experienced defense to a talented forward group, the Kings have the pieces to make the playoffs again. The question remains: can they go further and contend for the Stanley Cup? Only time will tell.