It’s hard to believe that two months have already passed since the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. The Los Angeles Kings currently hold a solid position in the Pacific Division, standing second with a 12-6-7 record and 31 points. They share the same point total with the Anaheim Ducks but trail due to the Ducks’ 15 wins. Despite some ups and downs, the Kings have had a strong beginning to their campaign.
Reflecting on November, the Kings played 13 games, earning a 7-3-3 record, an improvement over their October performance of 5-3-4. Even in losses, the team managed to scrape valuable points in overtime and shootouts, which is crucial in the NHL’s competitive landscape.
One major highlight was Adrian Kempe finally securing a major eight-year contract extension worth $85 million, putting to rest months of speculation. Despite a slow start post-signing with only three points in six games, Kempe represents a vital cornerstone for the franchise moving forward.
The Kings embarked on a demanding six-game road trip starting in Pittsburgh on November 9, ultimately finishing with a 4-1-1 record. This strong road performance has been a highlight, with their overall away record now an impressive 9-2-4.
Veteran goalie Darcy Kuemper stood out in November, posting a 5-2-2 record with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage over nine games. His stellar efforts, especially a near-flawless game against the Senators, have been a key factor in the team’s competitiveness.
On the downside, defenseman Drew Doughty suffered a lower-body injury in mid-November and has been sidelined since. Prior to his injury, Doughty made franchise history by surpassing Rob Blake as the Kings’ leading goal-scoring defenseman.
Forward Warren Voegele has had a challenging start to the season due to injury struggles, scoring just four goals in 18 games. Similarly, Andrei Kuzmenko has underperformed compared to last season, managing only seven points in 22 games and being scratched multiple times.
A painful loss occurred on November 28, when the Kings fell to the Ducks in a tense shootout after leading late in the game. This loss underscored the intensifying rivalry between the two Division leaders, hinting at potential playoff drama.
However, the Kings’ power play remains a significant concern, ranked 28th in the NHL with a 14.1% success rate. With players like Kempe and Kopitar on the roster, this lack of efficiency on the man advantage is alarming.
Overall, while the Kings have shown resilience and moments of promise, there are clear areas, especially on special teams and injury management, that need improvement to sustain their postseason hopes.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for hockey fans because it highlights the Kings’ potential as a strong contender in a tight Pacific Division, especially with stars like Kempe locked in for the long term. However, their struggles, particularly on the power play and with key injuries, reveal the fine margins teams face in the NHL and set the stage for an intense playoff race that could energize the sport.
