Tonight’s showdown features the Los Angeles Kings facing off against the Western Conference leading Vancouver Canucks. Following a recent setback on the road against the Calgary Flames, where the Kings lost 4-2, disappointment looms after a less-than-ideal outcome in Alberta, but the Kings swiftly return to action in British Columbia and can end the road trip on a high note.
The recurring narrative for the Kings this season unfolded once again on Tuesday, as the team put up a commendable 40 minute effort, but failed to capitalize in the final 20. Jim Hiller’s squad faces the imperative need for increased focus against Vancouver, a somewhat daunting task given the two straight losses. And amidst all the recent injuries, the Kings face arguably the hottest team in the NHL, a club they’ve yet to face this season.
General Manager Rob Blake will face the challenging task of managing through the recent injuries leading into next week’s Trade Deadline. With the stove just beginning to heat up, depending on his team’s performances in the coming days, he might have to swing first. While there is some available cap space due to LTIR players such as Pheonix Copley, Carl Grundstrom and Viktor Arvidsson, the status of forward Adrian Kempe could further impact the financial flexibility of the team.
On the positive side of things, Kevin Fiala has six points (4G, 2A) in his last five games and has looked as solid as ever coming out of the All-Star break. He was previously struggling to control some of the risk in his play, but has seen a dramatic reduction of that problem in more recent games. With a drive to create something out of nothing with line-mates Phillip Denault and Trevor Moore, Fiala has sparked hope that the line is beginning to click again.
Statistically Speaking
— When Phil Danault scored in Calgary on Tuesday, it was his 11th goal of the season. All 11 have come on the road.
— Drew Doughty sits at 499 assists in his career, leaving him one shy of becoming the seventh active, and 36th overall, defenseman to tally 500 or more career assists.
— Anze Kopitar has a five-game road point streak going, where he’s scored two goals and added three assists.
— Quinton Byfield has recorded 14 points (6G, 8A) in his last 14 games.
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Canucks
Byfield – Kopitar – Turcotte
Moore – Danault – Fiala
JAD – Dubois – Laferriere
Lewis – Lizotte – Kaliyev
(pre morning skate configuration)
Gavrikov – Doughty
Moverare – Roy
Englund – Clarke
Rittich (starter)
Talbot
Likely scratches: Spence
Injured: Anderson, Kempe (not on IR)
LTIR: Arvidsson, Copley, Grundstrom
Kings Of The Podcast previewed the three-game swing through Western Canada here:
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm Pacific Time and will be televised by Bally Sports.
Across the Ice
Coming off Vancouver’s OT loss to the Penguins on Tuesday night, here are the projected Lines for the Canucks:
Hoglander – Pettersson – Mikheyev
Suter – Miller – Boeser
Bains – Lindholm – Garland
Di Giuseppe – Blueger – Lafferty
Hughes – Juulsen
Cole – Myers
Zadorov – Hronek
Demko likely in net
In their last 10 games, the Canucks are 4-4-2. As the home team, they are 20-5-3 this season.
On This Day in Kings History
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