Evolution is often a funny thing in hockey. It was just a couple of seasons ago when the Lightning would have given the Kings reason to be nervous going into a matchup. After all, they were back-to-back Stanley Cup champions and one of the league’s dominant powerhouses. Fast forward to March 2024 and the playing field has been leveled to a certain extent. Now, both organizations are looking to make a deep run this season, and LA has fewer reasons to be intimidated by the Lightning.
But, but, but… make no mistake about it, despite fighting for their Wild Card lives in the Eastern Conference, Tampa Bay is still a very good team. And they have Nikita Kucherov’s 122 points leading the way.
As LA gets set to cap off a quick three-game homestand before heading off on a Western Canadian road trip, they do so coming off two straight blowout wins on home ice. The Kings have outscored opponents 12-2 at Crypto.com Arena this week and will look to keep it rolling against a still viable veteran Lightning team.
For head coach Jim Hiller and his staff, the focus will likely be to anticipate a close, hard-fought, playoff-style game tonight. While the last two games haven’t really been close, tonight seems less likely to turn out the same way. In both games of this homestand, it was over by the second period. A full 60-minute effort will be required again tonight if the Kings want to pick up another two points.
One thing is for certain, the Kings are a drastically improved team now that Viktor Arvidsson is back and playing. It’s simply a different looking team with him in the lineup, with Hiller able to send out his forwards in waves. Further, the energy and tenacity Arvidsson brings to the forward group, as well as the power play, cannot be measured. The Kings lineup becomes that much deeper and dangerous, which are two words teams want to be described as once the playoffs begin.
Even with 12 healthy forwards available on Wednesday, Hiller opted to roll with an 11+7 configuration and scratch Arthur Kaliyev. Indications are, that’s the plan vs. Tampa Bay, as well.
Rookie Alex Turcotte sat out the last game and we hear he will not be available for tonight’s game. In fact, he is not scheduled to travel with the team when they leave for Canada tomorrow. With Carl Grundstrom believed to still be a week or so away from returning, that does leave open the possibility of a callup from AHL Ontario. However, in checking in with various sources earlier today, that doesn’t appear to be the plan. If everybody comes out of the Tampa Bay game healthy, the Kings plan on taking the same group (sans Turcotte) to Vancouver.
Should something change, Sammy Fagemo may not be available either. He left Friday night’s game early, as explained in the article below. Akil Thomas has been the other player management has had under consideration for a possible recall, and last night he certainly advanced his case with an incredible goal…
David Rittich is coming off a shutout on Wednesday; however, Cam Talbot will likely get the nod between the pipes tonight. Both goaltenders are playing very well down the stretch and neither has really given a reason to stop playing them, so the 1A/1B rotation is probably here to stay a little bit longer.
Statistically Speaking
— Quinton Byfield is one goal away from recording his first career 20-goal season. The last Kings player to record at least 20 goals in a season at age 21 or younger was Anze Kopitar in 2008-09.
— The Kings penalty kill has gone 43 straight games without allowing multiple power-play goals, dating back to Dec. 13 vs. Winnipeg. It is the longest such streak in franchise history.
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Lightning
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Fiala
Laferriere – Dubois – Arvidsson
Lizotte – Lewis
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Englund – Spence
Moverare
Talbot (starter)
Rittich
Likely healthy scratches: Kaliyev, Turcotte
LTIR: 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 Quinton Byfield for this game. Just $1 could win you an autographed puck from an NHL star. They’re also doing a $10 raffle for a signed purple and gold jersey of either Anze Kopitar or Drew Doughty 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
Tampa Bay is coming off a 4-1 victory in San Jose on Thursday.
Here’s how they lined up for that one:
Duclair – Point – Kucherov
Hagel – Cirelli – Stamkos
Eyssimont – Paul – Sheary
Jeannot – Glendening – Motte
Hedman – Raddysh
De Haan – Cernak
Lilleberg – Dumba
Vasilevskiy
In their last 10 games, the Lightning are 7-2-1. As the away team, they’re 17-16-2 this season.
On This Day in Kings History
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