The NHL playoffs are about experience, leadership, and making an impact when the stakes are highest. For the Los Angeles Kings, no one embodies these qualities more than Drew Doughty. As a veteran blueliner and former Norris Trophy winner, Doughty continues to anchor the Kings’ back end. His influence has been crucial as the Kings battle the Edmonton Oilers in a closely contested first-round series.

Drew Doughty’s Enduring Leadership

Drew Doughty has long been the backbone of the Kings’ defense. In the 2025 playoffs, his on-ice presence is as valuable as ever. Despite a shift in power-play deployment, with Doughty moving to the second unit, his play remains instrumental. Kings coach Jim Hiller acknowledges it was not easy asking Doughty to step back from a role he’s held for years. However, as reported in The Athletic’s Game 3 takeaways, Doughty’s response has exemplified his team-first mentality: “Drew’s a good soldier. He’s a team-first guy… He’ll play wherever they need him to as long as our team is successful.”

This attitude resonates throughout the Kings’ lineup. Teammates, like Trevor Moore, highlight that Doughty brings relentless competitiveness and a burning desire to capture another Stanley Cup. His experience and willingness to adapt send a message of accountability within the dressing room.

Key Defensive Pairing: Anderson and Doughty

Throughout the current series, Drew Doughty and defensive partner Mikey Anderson have logged critical minutes together. According to an in-depth analysis from LA Kings Insider, no other defensive pair in the NHL playoffs has played as many even-strength minutes together as Anderson and Doughty. Their consistency allows the rest of the team to maintain structure even amid high-scoring games and frequent line changes by the Oilers.

This reliability is vital, especially with the Kings often utilizing only five defensemen per game in the series. Doughty’s ability to stabilize the blue line under pressure strengthens Los Angeles’ defensive framework and results in fewer mistakes during chaotic playoff hockey.

Offensive Contributions and Special Teams Impact

Although Doughty is now quarterbacking the Kings’ second power-play unit, his offensive skills remain a weapon. In Game 3, he found the back of the net with a point shot through a screen, showcasing that he can still deliver in critical moments. Hiller, the Kings’ coach, commends Doughty’s professionalism and acceptance of his new power-play role, reiterating how important team success is to the veteran blueliner.

The Kings’ power play has been revitalized in 2025. After a lackluster showing in the previous year, Los Angeles has tallied seven goals in twelve opportunities against the Oilers, a sharp improvement documented in The Athletic’s report. Doughty’s role, even if not on the top unit, has set the tone for a more aggressive and opportunistic special teams approach.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Playoff hockey is as much about resilience as it is about talent. After dropping Game 3 in a high-scoring affair, the Kings needed to regroup. Doughty’s leadership extends beyond what he does on the ice—he’s a central figure in keeping the team focused after setbacks. The Kings’ rest and recovery strategy, explained in the LA Kings Insider notebook, prioritizes fresh legs and clear minds. Veterans like Doughty ensure that the locker room buys into this philosophy as the series progresses.

The upcoming games will test the Kings’ depth and determination. Doughty’s experience in high-pressure situations gives Los Angeles a steadying presence as they look to advance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For more about the series momentum and lineup updates, visit the Edmonton Oilers’ official Game 4 preview.

Conclusion

Drew Doughty’s pivotal role with the Los Angeles Kings goes beyond his minutes played or points scored. His adaptability, leadership, and drive shape the way the team competes under the postseason spotlight. As the Kings continue their playoff journey, Doughty’s influence could make the difference between another early exit and a deep run toward the Stanley Cup.