The Los Angeles Kings have tallied yet another loss in the standings.
The Kings (15-27-2) have the worst record in the league, despite having some of the best young talent out there. What is it with L.A. this year?
One word sums it up, goaltending.
For the past several years, the Los Angeles Kings haven't found a solid goalie who is able to keep them in the playoff hunt year after year. In the current season, Los Angeles has already tried out four tenders, all of whom have a season GAA of over 2.9. Meanwhile, none of the four have double digits in the win column.
Dan Cloutier, who is yet to start a game with the Kings this season, was signed as a free agent a couple years ago. The Kings are paying Cloutier 3.1 million dollars a year on a contract extension signed in 2006. Cloutier finished the '06-'07 season with L.A; 6-14-2 with a GAA just below 4.00 and a save percentage of .860.
As the Kings progress into this already miserable season, what will they look for down the road? With an excellent prospect in Bernier, who is only 19, will the Kings look to Toronto's Andrew Raycroft, who has appered many times in the trade rumors?
By this season's trade deadline, the Kings might have to look to trade some veteran players away—such as Rob Blake, who has a no-trade clause. It was reported that Blake didn't mind waiving his no-trade clause if he needs to. Los Angeles might have to give away some prospects as well if they want a solid goaltender in return.
Last night the Kings were shut out for the third time this season by the Nashville Predators 7-0. Los Angeles only played in front of 15,000 fans at the Staples Center Tuesday night—and it was a good thing the seats were so empty.
Jason Labarbera started the game by giving up three goals on seven shots, all three of which came in a 1:15 span. Labarbera was replaced by Aubin, who gave up four more goals on 22 shots.
The Kings haven't quite found what it takes to win this season, but they need to get it started again before they finish dead last in the NHL. Los Angeles doesn't have an easy schedule ahead of them either, playing Dallas, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Detroit, and Anaheim in their next seven games, four of which are at home.
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