Todd McLellan is a favorite to win the Jack Adams Trophy
After coming back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets in overtime on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Kings are looking like one of the best teams in hockey with a 15-4-3 record.
What’s even more impressive is how the team is 10-0-0 to start the season on the road, which tied an NHL record. With a rejuvenated Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, combined with the stellar goaltending of Cam Talbot, there’s no telling how good this California team could be.
On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss how Kopitar and Doughty have drank from the fountain of youth, and if Todd McLellan should be in the conversation for the Jack Adams Award.
Tyler Yaremchuk: The Kings have tied an NHL record with a 10th consecutive road victory to start the season. In past episodes, we’ve talked about the incredible season Anze Kopitar is having, as well as Drew Doughty, who scored the OT-winner over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. This team continues to look like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Frank Seravalli: To keep that streak going, to tie the NHL record…when you size up this Kings team, I love watching them play because they have every facet of their game dialled in. They’re consistent, they compete, and more than that, they always seem to be in control. They’re disciplined in Todd McLellan’s system. It’s annoying to play against them. Their neutral zone forecheck lets the play come to them, then they pounce.
I can’t get over the changes they made in net, the enormous gamble they placed on Cam Tablot, his numbers have been lights out. For me, if you were to tell me that, right now, the Los Angeles Kings are the best team in the Western Conference, I’d have a hard time talking you off that stance.
Tyler Yaremchuk: Just a quick note on McLellan: you’ve talked about how his team is a pain in the ass to play again. Usually the Jack Adams Trophy comes with a narrative, how a coach took a team and far exceeded expectations. The Kings aren’t that typical criteria, but I think he deserves to be in that conversation.
Frank Seravalli: He certainly deserves consideration into that conversation. He has been a huge part of what the Kings have accomplished. If you look at the methodical build of Rob Blake and Luc Robitaille drafting and developing, it takes a coach like McLellan to come in and have all the pieces of the puzzle fit.
You can watch the rest of the episode here…