KOTP Ep. 252 - Doughty, Kempe and LA Trends

Send us a textAnother LAK prospect, winger Jared Wright makes his KOTP debut!Also:A power play game winning goal at home? It's true and DB doesn't think the LAK PP is THAT bad. Fans should expect low-scoring games as part of the team's DNA.Kings are in the thick of the Pacific Division race.Lineup changes are crucial for optimizing player performance.Defensive pairings are flexible and may change based on game situations.Jacob Moverare is an unsung hero for the Kings' defense.You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textIn this conversation, the guys discuss the events and expectations surrounding the Adrian Kempe contract extension and the implications for the team's center position. They emphasize the need for the team to find a suitable second center, highlighting the challenges and considerations involved in player roles and team strategy.The Drew Doughty injury is discussed and the impact across the LAK blueline,The opportunity the schedule after the completion of the sixth and final game of the road provides to solidify the team's standing in both the Pacific Division and Western Conference. You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textIt's early but not too early to evaluate the first month of LAK's season.Among the things DB and The Mayor discuss:A final look at the World SeriesHiller has a strong admiration for Joel Armia.Corey Perry's role in the LA Kings was unexpected.Brandt Clarke time-on-ice, a recurring themeThe (goal scoring) hole in the middleThe reuniting of Brian Dumoulin and Cody CeciYou can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textThe semiquincentennial episode opens with MLB talk! (of course)And then...LAK performance through 10 gamesGoaltending and defensive strategiesPenalty killing and faceoffsInjury updates and team depthPotential call-ups and roster adjustmentsOntario Reign updateUpcoming matchups and trap game concerns You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textWith DB somewhere in the Welsh countryside, The Mayor sits down with new LAK play-by-play announcer, John Kelly. You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textFormer LAK General Manager Rob Blake returns to KOTP for a 1-on-1 with The Mayor. You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textSummaryIn this episode, John and Dennis discuss Dennis's upcoming trip to Europe. They delve into the latest injury updates for the Kings, particularly focusing on Corey Perry and Darcy Kuemper's situations. The conversation shifts to the goaltending dynamics and roster decisions as the team navigates early season challenges. They analyze the Kings' performance, discuss Anze Kopitar's status, and reflect on the sentimental aspects of facing Sidney Crosby. The episode concludes with discussions on the Kings' prospects and the challenges of their upcoming road trip, alongside a debate on Hall of Fame considerations for notable players.Takeaways:Corey Perry is making progress in his recovery.The Kings face tough roster decisions with injuries.Goaltending dynamics are shifting with Kuemper's injury.Kopitar's status is uncertain but not serious.The Kings' prospects are showing promise this season.The upcoming road trip presents significant challenges.Crosby and the Penguins are nearing the end of an era.You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textSummaryIn this episode of Kings of the Podcast, John and Dennis dive into the early stages of the 2025-26 NHL season, analyzing the LA Kings' performance in their first two games, discussing the impact of recent executive changes, and highlighting the prospects in the AHL. They provide insights into the team's defensive strategies, player performances, and upcoming challenges against the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild. Pod Highlights:The Kings started the season with mixed results in their first two games.Marco Sturm's success with the Boston Bruins is noted.The AHL season is launching with a strong roster of Kings prospects.Defensive performance is crucial for success this season.The resilience in the comeback against the Golden Knights.Upcoming games against the Jets and Wild present new challenges.The team is still finding its chemistry early in the season.The Kings' offense needs to improve to support the defense.A Mayor's Meetup Watch Party!You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textWith the season on the horizon, the guys discuss the final LAK roster spot up for grabs and take a swing at seasonal over/under total and league-wide true and false questions. You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Send us a textIt's Season Six (!) for Kings Of The Podcast and DB and The Mayor return with a full episode as LAK Training Camp opens.In this episode of Kings of the Podcast, John and Dennis discuss the exciting kickoff of the NHL season, focusing on the retirement announcement of Anze Kopitar, reflections on his legacy, and the implications for the LA Kings. They delve into the potential candidates for the next captain, Adrian Kempe's contract situation, and Drew Doughty's expectations for the upcoming season. The conversation also touches on team dynamics, playoff potential, and the importance of progression this season for the Kings.Takeaways:Kopitar's retirement marks the end of an era for the Kings.Adrian Kempe's contract talks are ongoing, with hopes for a long-term deal.Drew Doughty feels confident about the team's depth and defense this season.DB's "Residency" You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod