Fansided

Los Angeles Kings: 5 burning questions for 2018-19 season

By Jeremy Lambert

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 17: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings reacts to a goal from Brayden McNabb #3 of the Vegas Golden Knights for a 1-0 lead during the second period in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on April 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 17: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings reacts to a goal from Brayden McNabb #3 of the Vegas Golden Knights for a 1-0 lead during the second period in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on April 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Los Angeles Kings handles the puck during a game against the Edmonton Oilers at STAPLES Center on February 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Los Angeles Kings handles the puck during a game against the Edmonton Oilers at STAPLES Center on February 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Does Dion Phaneuf hurt their defense over the course of 82 games?

Trading Marian Gaborik for Dion Phaneuf last season was an awesome trade in NHL history. 15 years from now, someone is going to look at that trade and wonder how and why is happened. And if you’re stumbling on his article 15 years from now, allow me to explain.

The Kings love defense. Ottawa didn’t know what the hell they were doing.

There’s nothing wrong with going all-in on defense. Remember, this is the same team that acquired Ben Bishop despite having Jonathan Quick in hopes they could play two goalies at once. They couldn’t. If Los Angeles had their choice, they would re-write the NHL history book to state the team that scores less, loses. Not the team that scores more, wins. Is it the same concept? Yes. But, defense.

Phaneuf hasn’t proven to be his intimidating self in many years. He’s been a minus player every year since 2014-15. He’s been a negative Corsi player in each of the last three seasons. He’s 33 years old and is foot speed isn’t getting any better.

He’ll be paired with Alec Martinez at the start of 2018-19. Martinez is a solid two-way defender who made up for Phaneuf’s mistakes during his short tenure in Los Angeles. But can he do it for 82 games?

Much like Dustin Brown repeating his 2017-18 campaign, I’m doubtful. It’s tough to doubt the Kings system given that they are always near the top of the league in goals against. But, like a good cast can elevate a poor script. One terrible performance can bring down an entire movie.

Home/Los Angeles Kings