The LA Kings are back on the road, looking to build momentum as they roll into Philadelphia for the first of a weekend back-to-back. With two wins already pocketed from this five-game road swing - against the Blues and Red Wings - there’s still opportunity on the table. Four points remain up for grabs, and even a split between the Flyers today and the Hurricanes tomorrow would mark this trip as a net positive heading into next week’s Olympic break.
But let’s be honest - the Kings are still trying to shake off the sting from their stop in Buffalo. One goal won’t win you many games in this league, especially not against one of the hottest teams going. That loss served as a stark reminder: this team still needs to find consistent scoring if it wants to secure a playoff spot.
And that’s where things get interesting. General Manager Ken Holland has been working the phones, reportedly exploring several trade options.
What direction he takes - whether it’s adding a scoring winger, a depth center, or a more aggressive move - could hinge on how the team performs over these next few games. Every point matters, and the Kings know it.
Lineup Watch: Kopitar Close, Connors Ready?
As for today’s lineup, it’s still a bit fluid. Anze Kopitar is nearing a return, but he remains on injured reserve for now.
If he’s activated, that could shake things up down the middle. In the meantime, there’s a chance we see prospect Kenny Connors make his NHL debut - a moment that’s been quietly building since training camp.
Connors has been one of the most consistent forwards for AHL Ontario this season, putting up nine goals and 24 points through 41 games, with a plus-13 rating that speaks to his two-way game. After leaving UMass last spring, he’s done nothing but impress in his first pro campaign, earning the trust of Reign head coach Andrew Lord early on. His resume includes a Hockey East All-Rookie Team nod in 2023, two NCAA tournament appearances, and a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2023 World Juniors.
If Connors does draw in today, expect him to slot in as a natural center - something the Kings have been short on lately. It’s a big moment for the 22-year-old, and it could be the start of something meaningful for both him and the organization.
Net Decisions: Kuemper or Forsberg?
The goaltending situation is worth keeping an eye on, too. With back-to-back games, Jim Hiller has a choice to make between Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg.
On paper, Sunday’s game against Carolina is the tougher matchup, which might make Kuemper the logical choice there. But Forsberg’s been the steadier hand lately, delivering more wins than losses over the past few weeks.
If Hiller is leaning on recent form, Forsberg could get the nod today in Philly.
By the Numbers: Kings vs. Flyers
The Kings have had the Flyers’ number in recent years - they’ve picked up points in nine of their last 10 games in Philly (7-1-2), outscoring the Flyers 31-22 during that stretch.
Quinton Byfield, in particular, seems to enjoy these matchups. He’s riding a five-game point streak against the Flyers and has only been held off the scoresheet in two of his seven career games against them.
On the blue line, Brandt Clarke continues to shine. He notched his 20th assist of the season in Buffalo, making it back-to-back 20-assist campaigns. With six goals and 26 total points, he leads all Kings defensemen, and his plus-12 rating ties him with Kopitar for the team lead.
Warren Foegele also has some good history against Philly. In his debut season with the Kings last year, he tallied three points - including the game-winner - across two games against the Flyers.
Trade Winds Blowing
There’s been plenty of chatter around the Kings’ interest in Rangers forward Artemi Panarin. While nothing is imminent, it’s clear LA is exploring its options to add scoring punch.
They’ve reportedly checked in on just about every available goal-scorer across the league - and while Panarin would be a splashy move, it’s worth noting that the Kings may prioritize adding a center first. Either way, this is a front office that isn’t standing still.
Projected Lineup vs. Flyers
Here’s how the Kings are expected to line up in Philly - though without a morning skate, final decisions will come closer to puck drop:
Forwards:
- Perry - Laferriere - Kempe
- Moore - Byfield - Armia
- Fiala - Connors* - Kuzmenko
- Foegele - Helenius - Ward
*Connors projected to debut
Defense:
- Anderson - Doughty
- Edmundson - Clarke
- Dumoulin - Ceci
Goaltenders:
- Kuemper (projected starter)
- Forsberg
Scratches (likely): Malott (F), Moverare (D)
Out: Turcotte
IR: Kopitar
How to Watch
Puck drops at 9:30 a.m. PT, with the game airing on FanDuel Sports. Fans can also catch the radio broadcast via the ESPN LA app.
Flyers Outlook
Philadelphia is coming off a 6-3 loss to Boston and will be looking to bounce back. No lineup changes are expected from that game, with Dan Vladar starting in goal and Samuel Ersson backing up despite a recent injury scare.
Flyers Projected Lines:
- Grebenkin - Dvorak - Konecny
- Barkey - Cates - Tippett
- Michkov - Zegras - Brink
- Deslauriers - Couturier - Hathaway
Defense:
- York - Sanheim
- Seeler - Drysdale
- Andrae - Juulsen
In Net: Vladar (starter), Ersson (backup)
On This Day in Kings History
A little blast from the past: On January 30, 1991, Wayne Gretzky recorded his 12th straight 100-point season with two assists against the Devils. He became just the second player in Kings history to post three consecutive 100-point campaigns. Just another reminder of the greatness that once donned the crown.
Bottom Line
The Kings are in a critical stretch, and every shift matters. Whether it’s a rookie making his debut, a veteran nearing a return, or a GM working the phones behind the scenes, this is the kind of weekend that can shape the trajectory of a season.