The Los Angeles Kings had a heartbreaking end to the 2024-25 season. With new general manager Ken Holland taking the reins just before the NHL draft, the expectation from many was that all the Kings needed was some fine-tuning to make it over the hump that is the Edmonton Oilers.
Holland did just that in free agency, adding a versatile forward in Joel Armia while shoring up on defense by adding Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin. The most controversial addition of all, however, was the signing of NHL veteran and longtime Kings’ nemesis Corey Perry.
Despite getting hurt from a freak accident during a practice in the preseason, Perry has started the LA Kings’ leg of his career with a bang, tallying six goals and nine points in nine games. He has provided newfound energy to both the power play and the fourth line, and the results speak for themselves.
The Kings have been dominating play while Perry is on the ice, with a 65% shot attempt share and a 59% expected goal share at even strength over 104 minutes this season, according to NaturalStatTrick. These numbers are especially impressive when compared to the Kings’ numbers without him on the ice. LA has averaged a 51% shot attempt share and a 47% expected goal share at even strength without Perry on the ice.
So, there’s one essential question that must be asked: Is this stretch of great form sustainable?
Simply put, not only is it sustainable, it may even improve. Despite Perry’s instant impact when he was promoted to the first power play unit, the Kings have still scored fewer goals than expected on the power play while he’s been on the ice.
Additionally, although Perry’s shooting percentage is rather high, his goals have all been from favorable locations. According to NHL Edge, five of his goals have come from the crease or the surrounding area, and Perry ranks 9th in the entire NHL in high-danger shot attempts per 60 minutes.
The Kings haven’t played up to expectations so far this season, but Corey Perry has been one of the lone bright spots of this otherwise dim campaign thus far.
And now when he scores at Crypto.com Arena, it’s a good thing.
