Luck of the Los Angeles Kings

The Kings are riding a winning wave with six consecutive wins. Taking their last W over the Colorado Avalanche with a 3-1 score. This is oddly enough the same score as the last time both of these teams played each other in the 2020 NHL Stadium Series.

Since that game, the Kings have made a couple of changes to their roster. Trading long time Stanley Cup players: Alec Martinez, Kyle Clifford, and Tyler Toffoli. Jack Campbell was only a part of the organization for a few years but left a huge impact on Los Angeles. Filling big shoes when long-time starting goalie Jonathan Quick was out for injury. 

Fitting in quickly is newcomer Mickey Anderson. Landing his first NHL goal with the Kings and setting a winning tone for the game. The 20-year-old Minnesota native made his debut with Los Angeles when the Kings took on big brother Joey Anderson forward for the New Jersey Devils. 

Los Angeles is excited to see what all of the newbies are going to bring to the table. It has been a tough season for the Kings. Jumping from 9th place to 8th in the Wild Card standings. It seems like all of California is suffering in the standings. Both the 7th place Anaheim Ducks and the 9th place San Jose Sharks are struggling to climb the charts. As the playoffs quickly approach, teams are doing their best to make the Super Sixteen.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the governor of California, Gavin Newsom ordered that any event over 200 people be canceled and postponed. The NHL, cooperating with the state government, released a notice of cancelation for the remainder of the hockey season. Since this outbreak, many sports and big functions have been postponed. This affects the players as much as the fans. Many of which are season ticket holders and planned accordingly to fit the games into their schedules. Some details are yet to be released about refunds, exchanges or other accommodations. 

This is a big deal for those who were thriving and are in the Super Sixteen, hungry when playoffs are right around the corner. Since the Los Angeles Kings’ winning spree, it’ll be difficult to have a change of speed. Bringing home these big wins and points are what they need to jump from the Wild Card standing into the big charts. There has not been a public message from the coaches or NHL if the players across the league will continue with training or go into a hiatus. Although if training stops in the facilities, many of the players practice at home and train how they can. It is still a mystery as to how things will turn out in the upcoming weeks. 

As hockey communities nationwide join in solidarity, we await any messages from the NHL concerning COVID-19 and the resuming of the playing season.  Yesterday, an anonymous player on the Ottawa Senators tested positive for COVID-19. The player is said to be experiencing mild symptoms and in isolation. With this development, it seems even less likely the season will restart anytime soon.