While there is no case for celebration for Kings fans, there is a distinct optimism rarely found for teams that are in dead last in any professional sport. The Kings have definitely underachieved so far this season after many picked them to be a playoff team at the outset. The Kings have been in the top 5 in the Western conference in goals scored all season and boast some of the NHL's best power-play and penalty kill numbers and yet have the worst record in the NHL. Which is very puzzling because most often when teams are rebuilding offensive skill and output are the last and most difficult areas to develop.
While the struggles of the Kings goaltending and defense have been well chronicled, it should be noted that in the teams recent three game winning streak goalie Jason LaBarbera has stopped 103 of 109 shots faced for a defense that has blocked 52 shots in the process. The youth of the team has really shown as they have been by far the most inconsistent and frustrating team in the NHL this season. The Kings lack size on the defensive side of the puck beyond Rob Blake and have been turning the puck over at very inopportune times so far this season.
Kings Rebuilding The Right Way (FOX) 
