New coach, new system: Aging Kings aim for playoff success in their new era

And that won't be the only difference from last season because Laviolette, the winningest American-born coach in NHL history, has inherited an aging team in transition, one he and his new staff have immediately tried to put their stamp on.

"The coaching changes brought a lot of excitement," goaltender Darcy Kuemper said. "It's new drills, new systems, so it kind of makes everyone turn on their brain and challenge themselves, which is fun for guys at this level."

Kings coach Peter Laviolette stands in the team's locker room at their practice facility in El Segundo in June. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)