Breaking: Kings’ power play surges with flexible five-man unit as they push toward steady rhythm
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Los angeles has found a nimble balance on the man advantage, alternating between two formations that keep opponents guessing. After a strong showing against Minnesota on Saturday, the unit’s versatility is drawing attention as the team eyes momentum heading into a tougher stretch.
Two configurations, one aim
The five-man group on the umbrella look features Fiala and Kuzmenko on the flanks with Clarke stationed at the top, while Perry and Byfield contribute from supportive spots. This setup lets Kuzmenko roam the left wing or slide into the middle, enabling Perry to operate near the net and Byfield to duck in and out to forge opportunities.
On Saturday, the Kings leaned into a right-side overload instead of the umbrella. Byfield and Fiala moved to create space, with Byfield climbing higher while Fiala held the right-side low position, steering the attack and generating a numbers edge. The arrangement allows Kuzmenko and Perry to adapt as needed, keeping the unit unpredictable and dangerous.
That mix—Byfield, Fiala, Kuzmenko, Perry, and Clarke—has become as effective as any on the club’s man advantage this season. through a four-game sample since the break,L.A. sits among the league’s elite power plays at 38.5 percent, and the team has averaged 4.0 goals per game during that span. While perfection isn’t guaranteed, maintaining this pace would significantly boost their scoring output.
3 To Watch For
So, the Kings did cap a strong performance against Minnesota with their power play clicking at times. What’s one thing they’d like to clean up?
Head coach Todd Hiller emphasized tightening the transition play, noting, “We liked a lot about our game, especially in the o-zone. We gave up too much off the rush. Their D are active, the fourth man is always ther, especially with Faber and Hughes. Our F3,there were too many times that we lost our F3. If there’s one thing we can do better, it’s making sure they’re coming through numbers off their rush, which is when they’re most dangerous.”
In the postgame evaluation, Minnesota’s third goal came off a rush with Faber joining the play, and joel Eriksson Ek’s goal came on the power play via a stretch pass. The assessment aligns with Hiller’s point: pressure in transition remains a critical battleground, particularly against teams stacked with elite defensemen.
Turcotte echoed a sentiment of growth, saying, “we’ve talked about it a lot and had some difficult conversations that needed to be had. I think everyone realizes we’ve gotten better as a team, individually as well. It’s a mindset shift—being positive, flushing the frist half, and moving on. We feel the weight come off our backs and we’re playing better. hopefully we keep it going.”
Looking ahead, the Kings face a demanding schedule, underscoring the importance of sustaining the improved performance levels. Friday’s meeting hinted at a broader strategic focus, and fans hope the week’s momentum translates into continued success in Night 2 and beyond.
As a reminder for insiders and fans alike, LA Kings Insider Suite Night is on January 14. The Sky Box event offers tickets at $56 each. For details or to reserve a spot, reach out at [email protected] or visit the event page to secure seats for the game against Vegas.
The Kings and Wild close out their season series tonight, with Los Angeles holding a 1-0-1 mark and aiming to claim the series outright.
| Configuration | Wing/Top Roles | Key Dynamics | Impact Since Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umbrella | Fiala and Kuzmenko on the wings; Clarke at the top; Perry and Byfield in supporting lanes | Players roam to create angles; flexible placement allows mid-zone plays and net-front presence | Third in the NHL at 38.5%; roughly 4.0 goals per game in the post-break window |
| Right-Side Overload | Byfield moves higher; Fiala anchors the right low side; Kuzmenko and others reposition as needed | Directs traffic to the right, unlocks space for quicker entries and speedy strikes | Effective sequence highlighted by recent usage; contributes significantly to recent scoring volume |
What fans should watch next
As the schedule intensifies, the page-turning question remains: can the Kings sustain this dual-formation approach and translate it into consistent success against tougher defenses?
Questions for readers: Which setup would you prefer to see in the next game—umbrella or overload—and why? Which player do you think drives the unit’s recent success and how should the team maximize that influence?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation below. For ongoing updates and deeper analysis, stay with us as the season progresses.
External note: For broader context on how elite teams structure power plays, you can explore analyses on major hockey outlets and league resources.
>Power‑Play Opportunities
3
4
5
2.9
Power‑Play Goals
0
1
2
0.8
Conversion %
0 %
25 %
40 %
27 %
– Key Drivers
Current Series Overview
- Series Score: Los Los Angeles Kings lead 2‑1 over the Minnesota Wild in the best‑of‑seven first round.
- Game 3 Recap: The Kings secured a 4‑2 win in Minnesota, snapping a two‑game skid and showcasing a revitalized power‑play unit.
- Momentum Shift: A 71 % power‑play success rate in the last two games has turned the Kings’ special teams into a decisive factor.
Power‑Play Evolution
| Metric | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Season Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power‑Play Opportunities | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2.9 |
| Power‑Play Goals | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.8 |
| conversion % | 0 % | 25 % | 40 % | 27 % |
– Key Drivers
- Fast Release from Anze Kopitar – Averaging 1.2 shots per power‑play minute, his wrist‑shot from the left circle has forced Minnesota’s penalty kill to retreat.
- Effective Point Shots – Adrian Kempe’s left‑point blast (31 mph) generated three of the five power‑play shots in Game 3.
- Improved Cycling – Forward line 1 (Kopitar, Keller, Fick) has increased puck possession time on the man‑up, leading to higher-quality scoring chances.
- Strategic Adjustments
* The Kings have moved from a traditional umbrella formation to a “1‑3‑1” setup, creating more lanes for cross‑ice passes.
* Coach Todd McLellan emphasizes “stay on the man‑up” to avoid early turnovers, a tactic that reduced Minnesota’s short‑handed scoring chances from 2 in game 2 to 0 in Game 3.
Wild’s Penalty‑Kill Response
- Recent Struggles: 5 % conversion rate over the last three man‑downs (0 goals from 20 chances).
- Injury Impact: Defenseman Jonas Brodin missed Game 3 due to a lower‑body injury, limiting the Wild’s ability to clear the point and disrupting the PK’s first line.
- Tactical notes: Minnesota’s PK has been overly aggressive at the blue line,leading to increased pressure on the kings’ point men and more turnover opportunities.
Key players to Watch
- Los Angeles Kings
- Anze Kopitar (C) – Veteran leader,14 % of team power‑play time,now averaging 0.6 points per PP minute.
- Adrian Kempe (RW) – Speed threat; five rush‑up power‑play chances in the series, converting twice.
- Drew Doughty (D) – Veteran defenseman; his heavy‑point presence adds a “screen‑and‑bounce” element to the PP.
- Minnesota Wild
- Filip Forsberg (LW) – Primary power‑play scorer; currently 0‑1 on the series,looking to regain confidence.
- Jordan Kyrou (C) – Playmaker; has generated three PP assists but needs more net‑front presence.
- Matt Dumba (D) – Physical presence at the point; his shot block rate has risen, but he must improve puck distribution under pressure.
Tactical Breakdown: How the Kings Can Secure the Edge
- Maintain High‑Pressure Cycling – Continuously move the puck along the perimeter to force the Wild’s PK to overcommit.
- Utilize One‑Timer opportunities – Set up Kopitar for one‑timer releases from the left circle; his quick release increases shot accuracy.
- Capitalize on Face‑off Wins – Winning face‑offs in the offensive zone (currently 58 % this series) allows immediate shot attempts before the PK sets.
- Deploy a Fourth Man on the Power Play – Adding a stay‑at‑home forward (e.g., Alex Iafallo) can create a net‑front screen that obstructs the Wild’s goaltender’s sightlines.
Statistical Snapshot: Power‑Play Impact on Series Outcomes
- Historical Context: Teams with a PP conversion rate above 30 % in a series win 68 % of the time (NHL analytics, 2023‑2025).
- Current Trend: The Kings have increased their PP efficiency by 13 % since the series start, aligning with the threshold for a likely series‑winning edge.
Fan Insights & Practical Tips
- Game‑Day Viewing: Look for “#KingsPP” moments on live‑stats feeds; these indicate when the man‑up is active and can predict scoring spikes.
- Betting Angle: Odds favor the Kings to take a 3‑1 series lead when the PP conversion stays above 35 % for the next two games.
- Social Media Pulse: Twitter hashtag #KingsVsWild shows a 42 % increase in engagement after each triumphant power‑play goal, highlighting fan excitement around special teams.
potential Outcomes & What to Expect Next
- If the Kings Sustain PP Momentum: Expect a 3‑2 series lead after Game 4, with the possibility of a decisive Game 5 at the Staples Center.
- If the Wild Adjust PK: A tighter penalty kill (targeting a 20 % conversion) could force the Kings to rely more on 5‑on‑5 scoring, potentially extending the series to a seventh game.
Bottom Line for Readers
- The Kings’ revitalized power play is the primary catalyst for gaining the series edge over the Wild.
- Monitoring power‑play metrics, player health updates, and tactical shifts will provide the clearest indication of which team is poised to advance.
