Drew Doughty Returns to Center Stage as Kings Look to Reset Their Season
There’s been a lot of talk surrounding the Los Angeles Kings lately, but right now, much of the focus is drifting back to a familiar and steady presence on the blue line — Drew Doughty. As the Kings prepare to host the Anaheim Ducks, this matchup is being framed as more than just another divisional game. It’s being seen as a chance for Los Angeles to stop the slide, regain confidence, and lean on experienced leadership at a critical point in the season.
December hasn’t been kind to the Kings. A rough 3–8 stretch over their last 11 games has raised questions about consistency and scoring, and the team is now staring at the possibility of a third straight loss. Offense has been hard to come by, and that pressure has naturally placed more responsibility on the defense and goaltending to keep games close. That’s where Drew Doughty’s role becomes even more important.
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Doughty has been paired with Mikey Anderson, and together, they’ve been relied upon to stabilize the back end. While goals have been scarce up front, the Kings’ defensive structure has largely kept them competitive. In fact, it’s been noted that no more than four goals have been allowed in any game this month, which speaks volumes about how much responsibility the defense has absorbed. Much of that calm and structure is credited to veterans like Doughty, whose experience shows in tight moments, smart positioning, and controlled puck movement.
The matchup against Anaheim isn’t expected to be easy. The Ducks are sitting near the top of the Pacific Division and are coming in hungry after a recent loss of their own. With both teams looking to bounce back, intensity is expected to be high from the opening faceoff. It’s in games like this where Doughty’s leadership is often felt more than it’s seen. Big minutes are expected to be logged, tough matchups are likely to be taken, and younger players tend to follow the tone set by him on the ice.
There are also larger questions hanging over the Kings, especially when it comes to scoring depth and players like Quinton Byfield, whose recent point drought has been hard to ignore. Until that offense wakes up, games will continue to be decided by discipline, defensive execution, and timely plays from the back end.
For Los Angeles, this game feels like a reset opportunity after the winter break. A strong defensive showing, anchored by Drew Doughty, could be exactly what’s needed to spark a turnaround. If that happens, it may be remembered as the night when steady leadership helped pull the Kings back on track.
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