Back to Reality

Hate me for being myopic if you must, but for two games, I was more than a little enthusiastic.  Reality can be a demoralizing succubus, and she has reared her vicious and terrifying head.  Though a little disappointed, I am not surprised by the recent dismally abhorrent performances of the Kings.  I must say, as a writer/fan, it is so much easier not to use the word "we" in reference to the team when they are loosing.  Regardless, while we all secretly hoped for a surprisingly successful season, we knew what we were in store for.  The Kings are simply a growing team, and growing means struggling.

Anytime a team changes coaches, philosophy's, and attempts to fill major holes with young drafted talent (actually the best way to build a quality team under the cap), there are going to be growing pains.  The Kings are not immune to this, and for good reason.

The draft pics of several years ago are emerging as below par.  Amadio has emerged as a very nice piece to play with two of my favorite elder statesmen (I secretly laugh as I write that, knowing that I am much older than they are).  However, rebuilding a team takes more than one nice piece.  Blake Lizotte has turned out to be a very, very good addition, but he wasn't even drafted.  JAD is still a season or so away, as well are Bjorfot, Klague, and Durzi.  Villardi, despite all of his talent, may never play in the NHL due to his back issues.  At this point, I am leaning heavily toward labeling him a bust.  The kings will need someone to emerge as a star.

For what it is worth, I like the change in approach that Tod McClellan brought with him.  He's not afraid to ramp up the intensity, something that this team definitely needs from time to time.  In addition, he has brought some solid philosophies and gotten the team to improve in some key areas, at least some of the time. 

The Kings are obviously not there yet, but, who knows what the rest of the season will bring?


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