LA Kings Aim for Strong Playoff Push in 2024

The Los Angeles Kings are starting to make their presence felt in the Western Conference as a top team, but can they contend for the fiery playoffs this season? Ever since they have won two Stanley Cups in 2011-12 and 2013-14, nothing has been easy for the Los Angeles Kings. The team has never made it past the first round of the playoffs and has been coming up with tough stretches one year after another, and this says a lot about how the team’s sudden rise this season has been quite a surprising note considering how the past years have been a lackluster campaign for them. But can we now consider the Kings to be one of the competitive teams that we can bet on?

Are the Kings Now a Promising Contender to Watch?

This season has seen a power shift in the NHL so far, and the LA Kings are one of the teams to benefit from this considering how well they were in the seventh seed a season ago and got eliminated in the first round before finally making some impressive strides this season. Now more than ever, it is safe to say that the team has somewhat unlocked its groove and has managed to come up with some promising stretches to begin the season.

While it is still too early to say that the Kings will definitely lock up a spot in the top five, there have been glimpses of their impressive performances that has been really quite fun to watch – hints of a strong contention that they can actually come up with massive wins against the elite contenders in the NHL at this point in time. This just says a lot about the strong potential that the team has to offer on the big stage, and it is certainly showing that they are more than capable of fighting at a bigger level.

Considering the pace that they are riding right now, it does seem that there is a lot of hope that the Los Angeles Kings can now prove their worth and show that they can actually win it all when they push their chances to the limit.

LA Kings squad image

What are the Kings’ Odds to Win the Stanley Cup?

The LA Kings aren’t actually big favorites to win the Stanley Cup this season, with the top 10 of the odds list being dominated by recent league leaders such as the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Florida Stars, and the Carolina Hurricanes among others. From where they stand, however, it does seem that the Kings are accepted as contenders for now.

Los Angeles Kings Standings and Odds to Win the Stanley Cup (Updated as of December 19, 2024)

Team	Open Odds	Bet365	William Hill	BetWay
Los Angeles Kings	+1800	+1700	+2500	+2200

As you can see, the Kings aren’t really that much favored to win it all, but not that far behind to be considered as a non-betting option. With the pace they are riding right now, it is expected that the Kings can find their way to the upper echelon of the odds in no time as they keep on winning and building an impressive presence on the big stage. Make sure to check out our GambleSpot Parlay and Odds Calculator to get a grasp of all the betting plans you seek to make in the coming weeks.

Can the Kings Actually Contend for the Playoffs?

The LA Kings certainly have the potential to thrive in the playoffs. Their balanced roster, experienced leadership, and solid defense give them a solid foundation for a deep run. The key will be their ability to get consistent goaltending, capitalize on special teams, and have their young players step up when the pressure is at its highest.

If they can put everything together at the right time, this Kings team could surprise a lot of people and make a run that few are expecting. Playoff hockey is a war of attrition, and with their mix of experience and hunger, the Kings might just have what it takes to go the distance.

Here’s what we think will impact LA’s chances of winning it all:

Kopitar Seeking Redemption with LA

Kopitar has been the face of the franchise for over a decade, and while he's no longer in his prime, the 36-year-old center is still one of the most consistent and reliable players in the league. The big question is whether his leadership and individual contributions will be enough to carry the Kings through the grind of the regular season and into the playoffs. Kopitar is one of the league’s premier two-way forwards, and his defensive stats are a testament to his commitment to both ends of the ice. Last season, his 20 takeaways are a direct indicator of his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, while his 1:45 of shorthanded ice time shows that he’s an integral part of the Kings' penalty kill unit.

Anzu Kopitar image

Foegele’s Emergence is Staggering

A catalyst is more than just a player who scores goals—it's someone who can spark change, shift momentum, and elevate the play of those around them. As the Kings aim to solidify their position in the Western Conference and push for a playoff berth, Warren Foegele’s recent performances and overall style of play suggest that he could very well be the type of player who can ignite the Kings’ offense and help drive the team to new heights. Foegele’s statistical output has been solid so far this season, coming up with 13 points off seven goals and six assists in his first 26 games. That says a lot about how he is leading the team to a different surge now more than ever.

Warren Foegele image

Jim Hiller’s Leadership is Bearing Fruit

One of the most noticeable changes under Hiller’s watch has been the Kings’ offensive transformation. Under head coach Todd McLellan, the Kings were already a solid team, but their offensive system often relied on strong cycle play and low-scoring, grinding games. While this approach worked in many cases, it sometimes limited the offensive upside of players who thrive in transition or with more open ice. Hiller has injected a faster, more fluid offensive system into the mix, focusing on puck movement, zone entries, and more dynamic offensive looks. He’s encouraged a more north-south style of play, pushing the pace and trying to generate scoring chances off the rush.

Jim Hiller image

Can the Kings Make the Most of Their Chances?

The road to the Cup will not be easy, but with the right pieces in place, the LA Kings could thrive when it matters most. One of the defining characteristics of the Kings' roster this season is the balance between their offensive and defensive units. The team is built around a solid structure that blends youthful energy with veteran leadership, but it’s how they’ve been performing at both ends of the ice that gives fans hope.

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