Behind Enemy Lines: The Los Angeles Kings!

In this recurring post, I ask some questions to a staff writer or editor of an opposing team’s FanSided Blog.  This week, I interviewed one of the writers (Mike Regalado) of the LA Kings blog, Rink Royalty!

Jan 21, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center

(18) and Los Angeles Kings defenseman

(6) collide during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

U&B: What has been the biggest strength of the LA Kings so far?

Mike: The thing that trumps all for the Kings right now is that they are in a slump and resulting in a deficit of goals. They have been shut out in three of their last five games and haven’t scored more than one goal in a game since Jan. 21 in a 5-3 loss to Columbus… interesting. Still, the Kings are destroying their opponents in shots per game so if they can get a little spark to ignite the offense, Columbus will have a heck of a time trying to stop the barrage of shots  that will come their way. But as for the biggest strength of the season… their defense which is anchored by US Olympic Goaltender Jonathan Quick.

U&B: Who should the Columbus Blue Jackets be wary of?

Mike:  Their own defense allowing LA to score a goal, did I mention the Kings cannot score goals right now? I did.  One thing that Kings fans have noticed on Twitter, is that young gun Tyler Toffoli has been practicing with the first line of Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter. Toffoli has great puck handling skills and can shoot quickly. It still looks like these three are trying to find their chemistry together, but once they do, LA’s first line will be deadly.

Apr 18, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing

(25) and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman

(7) go for the puck during the second period of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

U&B: Who do you see as the biggest threat TO the Kings FROM the Blue Jackets?

Mike: Columbus’ goaltenders. Whether it is Sergei Bobrovsky or Curtis McElhinney, if their eyes are open, they should do well in this game. LA is taking a decent amount of shots but are not getting anything in the back of the net. Defections, one-timers and laser shots are not in the Kings’ arsenal right now.

U&B: What is one area in which your team has struggled this season?

Mike: Hmmm, that is a hard one. GOALS! It is not so much as it had been a season long issue, as this slump has taken all the air out of their offense. Right now, there are no goals to be had and opponents need to jump on that if they want to beat the Kings.

U&B: What are your expectations for this game?

Mike: Honestly, it is the last game before the break for the Winter Olympics and a win would be a victory on several levels for LA. They should be ready to go against Columbus merely for the fact that they need to get their game back in order and the Blue Jackets are the next team in their way. What Columbus can expect are a lot of shots. That has been one thing going for the Kings and I don’t expect that to let up. If there is one chance the puck will get in the net for the Kings, you better believe they will take it. A 1-0 victory is still a victory.

A huge thank you to Mike for answering these questions!  Be sure to check out our Game Day Posts and follow along on Twitter during the game.  Come back soon for another edition of “Behind Enemy Lines!”