If expectations are the root of all heartache, then there may be a sliver of hope for the ‘24-’25 Los Angeles Kings. This underdog status could be their saving grace and the key to their success in the upcoming season.

The Kings are no strangers to high expectations. They have a rich history of success, with two Stanley Cup championships in the past decade. However, recent seasons have been less than stellar, with the team failing to make the playoffs for three years in a row. This has led to a shift in mindset and a new approach for the Kings.

Coming off a tumultuous season that began with lofty expectations, the Kings went back to the drawing board and revamped their roster, only to return with what might be their least talented lineup in three years. With the departures of key players and the addition of lesser-known names, it’s clear that the Kings are embracing their underdog status.

But being an underdog doesn’t mean they’re destined for failure. In fact, it may be just what the team needs to ignite a fire within them. A truly unified team that feels slighted is a very dangerous opponent, and the Kings have the potential to be just that.

Take the ‘21-’22 Kings, for example. Despite having a less talented roster than the following season, they outperformed expectations and secured their first playoff berth in three years. They had an intangible quality that can’t be measured by traditional statistics or player data cards. It was a buy-in from every player on the team, a unified front that propelled them forward.

This is exactly what General Manager Rob Blake has prioritized this off-season. Instead of acquiring the most skilled players, he has focused on finding the “right” players who will buy into the team’s vision and fight for every game. Players like Warren Foegele, Tanner Jeannot, and Joel Edmundson, who have been written off to some degree, could play some of the most inspired hockey of their lives.

The coaching staff is also an important factor in the underdog equation. Head coach Jim Hiller, who has faced skepticism throughout his career, brings a sense of humility and self-awareness to the team. His underdog mentality is infectious and can inspire the players to exceed expectations.

Of course, the Kings still have their challenges. Scoring goals, especially on the power play, has been a struggle for them in recent seasons. There are doubts about their ability to score, and these doubts are justified. But perhaps scoring goals is not the main point for this team right now. Maybe the focus should be on building a cohesive unit, a team that fights for each other and believes in their abilities.

In the end, embracing their underdog status could be the key to the Kings’ success in the ‘24-’25 season. It may not lead to a championship, but it could bring back a sense of pride and excitement for the team and its fans. After three years of regression, building a team with a focus on cohesiveness is a step in the right direction.

So, let’s embrace the underdog status of the Los Angeles Kings and see what they can achieve. Let’s root for the players who have been written off and the coaches who have faced skepticism. Let’s believe in the power of unity and the potential for something inspiring. Because sometimes, being the underdog is the best position to be in.

Photo Credit; Los Angeles Times, Sportslogos.net