Fiala achieved his second consecutive season with over 70 points, recording 29 goals and 44 assists, just shy of the 30-goal and 45-assist marks. At his peak, Fiala stands out as the Kings’ most dynamic offensive player, skillfully balancing risk and reward. Despite a slow start, he showcased his best form through significant stretches of the season.
Kevin Fiala’s Statistics:
– **Regular Season:** 82 games played, 29 goals, 44 assists, +1 rating, 62 penalty minutes
– **Playoffs:** 5 games played, 1 goal, 1 assist, +1 rating, 4 penalty minutes
– **NHL Possession Metrics (Relative to Kings):**
– CF%: 56.2% (+3.2%)
– SCF%: 56.9% (+4.9%)
– HDCF%: 57.5% (+5.8%)
Trending Up
Fiala’s performance this season was notable for aligning impressive surface-level numbers with advanced metrics. His presence on the ice was consistently beneficial for the Kings, as reflected in his high possession statistics. Specifically, he maintained metrics well above 55 percent in categories like CF%, SCF%, and HDCF%, indicating that the Kings controlled the puck and limited opponents’ chances when he was playing. Furthermore, Fiala was among the top 13 NHL players to exceed 55 percent in these key metrics, illustrating his significant impact.
Fiala also had his most productive power-play season, achieving 7.2 points per 60 minutes, a career high. Leading the Kings with 31 power-play points, he ranked 16th among 222 forwards in the NHL in power-play points per 60 minutes. Despite the team’s slight regression in power-play efficiency, Fiala’s contributions remained a bright spot, enhancing his reputation as a dominant even-strength scorer who has now added substantial value in man-advantage situations.
Rending Down:
While Fiala’s regular season was outstanding, his playoff performance did not match that level. He managed only one goal and one assist in the Kings’ first-round loss to the Oilers. His goal, although crucial in a Game 2 victory, was a less impressive, long-range shot. Despite leading the team in scoring chances and ranking second in shots and attempts during the series, his production was limited. This highlights the need for Fiala to translate his regular season success into postseason productivity, a crucial aspect for the Kings moving forward.
Another challenge for Fiala was the lack of a stable line throughout the season. Although there was initial excitement about pairing him with Pierre-Luc Dubois, it wasn’t until he was placed with Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore that he showed peak performance. However, this combination was disrupted towards the season’s end, with Viktor Arvidsson returning to that line, causing Fiala to frequently switch between different configurations. While he remained productive regardless of his linemates, finding a consistent spot for him in the lineup remains an ongoing challenge.
2024-2025 Outlook:
Fiala enters the third year of his five-year contract with the Kings, having already proven his worth. His primary goal for the upcoming season is to establish a regular position within the team’s lineup. Despite his consistent scoring ability, identifying the optimal role and line for Fiala is crucial. In his first season, the plan to pair him with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe was adjusted for better team balance. The following year, attempts to team him with Dubois had mixed results.
As Fiala approaches the new season, both he and the Kings aim to find a more permanent role for him. While his individual talent and scoring proficiency are unquestioned, a stable and consistent line placement would not only benefit Fiala but also enhance overall team cohesion and effectiveness. Ensuring Fiala finds a lasting and productive home in the lineup will be a key focus for the Kings in the 2024-2025 season.
