Why do this year's Kings (almost) always seem to start games a goal (or two) down?

It did happen in October and November, but the phenomenon culminated in December: out of 14 December games, the Kings started 13 a goal (and sometimes two) down, quite frequently in the first half of the first period.

If I'm correct, the only game when we took the 1-0 lead in December was the 4-2 win at San Jose.Not surprisingly, the overall Kings record for December was a measly 5W-8L-1OTL. There was not much difference between Staples (seven-out-of-seven going 0-1 down) and on the road (six-out-of-seven).

What do you think is the reason for it (please try to abstain from 'Cloutierisms' . I have not checked it, but offhand it seems the Kings are mostly playing catch-up regardless of the actual goaltender)? Is it lack of focus in the beginning of games? Lack of self-confidence (I don't suspect the reason to be too much self-confidence)? Anything else?

The 2006-07 Kings have not been a come-from-behind team so far. Why is it so difficult for the Kings not to dig a hole for themselves at the start of the games?

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts in the comments section. It might be worthwhile also to keep an eye on how this topic develops over at LGK.com.