The LA Kings' season opener may not have gone as planned, but there's no time to dwell on it as they gear up for another crucial matchup. After falling to the Golden Knights, the Kings are set to face Connor McDavid and the Oilers tonight. Both teams are eager to bounce back after disappointing losses, with Edmonton also looking to recover from a blown lead against Anaheim.
Artemi Panarin's debut in Los Angeles was a bright spot, as the star winger notched two assists and consistently posed a threat on the ice. His performance, however, was overshadowed by the team's overall struggle. Panarin's focus is clear: move on and prepare for the next challenge.
In goal, Darcy Kuemper is expected to start after returning from international duty with a silver medal. Despite a brief hiatus from game action, the Kings will rely on him to deliver a strong performance and help secure a much-needed win.
Coach Jim Hiller emphasized the importance of balancing urgency with patience, particularly appreciating the contributions of the Panarin line. Although he pointed out some individual errors, he refrained from naming specific players. It’s speculated that Warren Foegele and Quinton Byfield might be in question, with potential lineup shifts on the horizon.
The absence of Kevin Fiala is notable, as his chemistry with Byfield has been a key factor in recent games. Byfield is likely to continue alongside Anze Kopitar, with Hiller possibly exploring different defensive pairings, such as reuniting Anderson and Doughty.
Statistically, Adrian Kempe has been a consistent performer against the Oilers, with points in his last four regular-season games at home. Panarin's achievement of recording points with four different franchises in debut games highlights his adaptability and skill. Meanwhile, Mikey Anderson celebrated his 400th NHL game, marking a career filled with solid contributions and an impressive plus/minus rating.
Anze Kopitar is closing in on a franchise milestone, just seven points away from surpassing Marcel Dionne for the most points in Kings history. And a shoutout to Alex Turcotte, who turns 25 today.
Projected Lineup vs. Oilers:
- Panarin - Laferriere - Kempe
- Byfield - Kopitar - Moore
- Foegele - Turcotte - Kuzmenko
- Armia - Helenius - Perry
Defense:
- Dumoulin - Doughty
- Edmundson - Clarke
- Anderson - Ceci
Goaltender:
- Kuemper (starter)
- Forsberg
Scratches could include Malott, Ward, and Moverare.
Catch the game at 7:30 PM Pacific on ESPN, or listen via the Kings radio feed on the ESPN LA app.
As the Kings look to improve their standings, tonight's game is pivotal. With both teams eager to shake off recent setbacks, expect a high-energy showdown on the ice.