A struggling team’s early-season slump may hinge on adjustments from its top performers rather than tactical tweaks lower in the lineup. While roster management and line combinations draw debate, the focus remains on whether key players can elevate their production to shift momentum. Experts suggest that without stronger contributions from the leading scorers, even refined roster moves may not be enough to overcome the current struggles. The question lingers: Can the stars step up when it matters most?

For the Kings to break out of their season-opening rut, the change they need has to come from the top of the lineup. You can disagree with fourth-line decisions or 12/6 versus 11/7 looks. And that’s ...