The Los Angeles Kings are playing red-hot hockey

Maybe it’s East Coast bias. Maybe it’s because they’re in a division with the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers. Nevertheless, people need to start realizing the Los Angeles Kings are looking like one of the top teams in the NHL.

Following a convincing 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night, the Kings have won eight of their last 10 games, picking up points in 10 of their previous 12. With a strong defensive system in front of what has been solid goaltending this year, Los Angeles is playing like a team with more intentions than just simply making the playoffs.

They have seen production from veterans Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala, while Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich have been holding down the fort between the pipes. As of Friday, the Kings are second in the Pacific Division, three points back of the Golden Knights for first in the Pacific Division.

On Friday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk look at what is working right for the Kings so far this season.

Frank Seravalli: It’s been consistent all year. There really hasn’t been a moment in time this year in which they’ve waivered. You saw the stats–first in the league in goals against per game. They’ve got really smart players. They’ve got players who are difficult to play against. I think their structure, the lingering sort of elements of the Todd McLellan structure, have suited this team well in their mindset in terms of how they go into a game, even though they’re playing a different style.

I think they’re goaltending has been fantastic. By the way, they’ve done all this without Drew Doughty. The tougher part of the conversation is…”Okay, good team, could possibly make some noise. My god, that’s a tough route to get out of your own division in the playoffs.”…What is the route for the Kings to get out of this hell?

You can watch the full segment and entire episode…