Consistency is the key. As the Stanley Cup Playoffs loom in the near future, consistency is what every team is looking for. It’s no different for the Kings, as they’ll take aim at putting together a strong effort against the Senators at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night.
LA has been playing competitive, playoff-style hockey of late, stringing three straight solid performances together. Head coach Jim Hiller was highly complementary of his group following their overtime loss on Tuesday, describing that they are playing a type of hockey that can bring success in the postseason. Staying within the structure and identity of the team has been the task all season long. When LA plays their game, they can play with anyone in the league, and they’ve proven that. On the contrary, when they stray away from solid defense and don’t check for their chances, that’s when the Kings often find themselves in trouble.
Shifting to the NHL Trade Deadline, barring any last-minute moves, the Kings will stand pat. It’s all explained here:
Nevertheless, in theory, anything can happen before noon on Friday.
Moverare, JAD, and Waivers
As reported yesterday, forward Jaret Anderson-Dolan and defenseman Jacob Moverare were placed on waivers. They will need to clear waivers before being available to play tonight.
As of 10am today, we had not received any indication through various sources that a claim had been put in on JAD.
Moverare signed a two-year contract extension Wednesday afternoon that should dissuade teams from claiming him. His new deal is set to keep him in the organization through the 2025-26 season. Over the course of various call-ups the past few years, he’s proven to be a valuable depth piece on the left side.
Both players are expected to play vs. Ottawa should they clear waivers at 11am Pacific.
If JAD is claimed, Hiller can slide Arthur Kaliyev into the lineup and still maintain his 11-7 configuration. Should JAD clear waivers, it opens up several options. Hiller could continue to play JAD in the same 11-7 configuration used the past few games (with Kaliyev a healthy scratch), or Kaliyev could slide in and bring the forward group back to a traditional 12 players.
Either way, look for Moverare, JAD, and Alex Turcotte to be assigned to AHL Ontario tomorrow, as explained here. One defenseman — either Jordan Spence or Brandt Clarke — will also likely be assigned to the Reign via a paper transaction on Friday.
As for the injured players, look for Adrian Kempe and/or Mikey Anderson to return first – perhaps as early as next week. Then, Viktor Arvidsson and Carl Grundstrom are expected back later this month.
Statistically Speaking
— Right now, it’s all about Kevin Fiala, who has been red-hot since the break:
— Since joining the Kings in 2021-22, Phil Danault’s 43 assists at home are tied with Adrian Kempe for the third-most among Kings skaters at Crypto.com Arena, trailing only Drew Doughty (46) and Anže Kopitar (64).
— Ottawa has not won a road game vs. a Western Conference opponent this season.
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Senators
Turcotte – Kopitar – Byfield
Moore – Danault – Fiala
Laferriere – Dubois – JAD (Kaliyev)
Lizotte – Lewis
Moverare – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Englund – Spence
Clarke
Rittich (starter)
Talbot
Likely scratches: Kaliyev
Injured: Anderson, Kempe
LTIR: Arvidsson, Copley, Grundstrom
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm Pacific Time and will be televised by Bally Sports.
For those live in attendance, the LA Kings Booster Club will offer their popular ‘Puck for a Buck’ contest — featuring Matt Roy for this game. Just $1 could win you an autographed puck from an NHL star. Visit their table outside sections 317-318 on the upper concourse for more information.
LA Royal Army, another fan support group, has a booth outside section 303. They do watch parties and other fun activities. Stop by and check them out.
Across the Ice
Ottawa is coming off a 2-1 defeat in Anaheim on Wednesday.
Here’s how they lined up for that one:
Giroux – Stutzle – Batherson
Tkachuk – Pinto – Joseph
Greig – Chartier – Kubalik
Highmore – Kastelic – Kelly
Sanderson – Zub
Chabot – Bernard-Docker
Chychrun – Brannstrom
Sogaard
In their last 10 games, the Senators are 3-6-1. As the away team, they’re 8-17-1 this season.
On This Day in Kings History
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