There’s final, and then there’s final-final - and for Anze Kopitar and Alex Ovechkin, tonight feels like the end of an era.
The two future Hall of Famers are set to face off one last time in the regular season as the Kings host the Capitals at Crypto.com Arena. Sure, there’s always the slim chance they meet again in the Stanley Cup Final, but for all intents and purposes, this is the curtain call on a legendary head-to-head matchup that’s spanned nearly two decades.
Kopitar and Ovechkin have shared the ice in 28 games over the years, and Ovi has suited up for all but one of them. The Kings hold a narrow edge in those matchups, going 15-12-1, and Kopitar has quietly racked up 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in those contests. That’s the kind of consistency you expect from a player who’s been the heartbeat of LA’s lineup for years.
And while the spotlight will naturally shine on the captains tonight, there’s plenty at stake on the ice beyond the nostalgia.
Kings Still in the Hunt
Head coach Jim Hiller isn’t one to get caught up in sentiment. For him, this game - like every other - is about two points.
That’s been the Kings’ mantra all season, and it was on full display last week when they battled the Ducks for first place in the Pacific. They came up just short in a shootout, but bounced back the next night with a solid win over Vancouver.
Adrian Kempe played the hero in that one, while Kopitar got things started with the opening goal.
And here’s a fun trend to keep an eye on: every time Kopitar has scored this season, he’s followed it up with another goal in the very next game. If that pattern holds, he could very well find the back of the net again tonight - fitting, considering the opponent.
Power Play Shakeup
One of the more intriguing developments heading into this matchup is the Kings' power play. For weeks, Hiller had stuck with a five-forward unit, but that’s now on pause - at least until Drew Doughty returns from injury. At Monday’s practice, the five-forward look was nowhere to be seen, and based on Hiller’s comments, we’re likely to see a more traditional setup tonight.
Expect a defenseman on each unit, with Brian Dumoulin stepping into a quarterback role on PP2. It’s a logical move. Dumoulin isn’t flashy, but he’s poised with the puck and should offer some stability as the last man back.
Forward Lines Realigned
There’s also been some shuffling up front. Based on how the lines were deployed late in the Vancouver game - and what Hiller said afterward - it’s unlikely we’ll see Kempe back on Quinton Byfield’s line anytime soon. Here’s how the Kings are expected to line up tonight:
Projected Kings Lines vs. Capitals:
- Fiala - Byfield - Armia
- Moore - Kopitar - Kempe
- Kuzmenko - Danault - Laferriere
- Malott - Turcotte - Perry
Defense Pairings:
- Anderson - Dumoulin
- Edmundson - Clarke
- Moverare - Ceci
Goaltenders:
- Kuemper
- Forsberg
Scratches include Foegele (day-to-day with a lower-body injury), Helenius, and no listed healthy scratches on defense. Doughty remains on IR.
Caps Coming in Hot
Washington isn’t just playing spoiler here - they’re riding a four-game win streak, including a 4-1 win over the Islanders on Sunday. That win pushed their regulation win total to 14, tied for second-most in the league behind Colorado’s 17.
Ovechkin, meanwhile, continues his march toward history. He’s now sitting at 909 career goals, and while he hasn’t been lighting it up at his usual clip this season, he’s still a threat every time he steps on the ice.
The real X-factor for Washington right now? Tom Wilson.
He was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week and enters tonight’s game on a five-game point streak. With 29 points in 26 games (15 goals, 14 assists), Wilson has emerged as the Capitals’ most consistent offensive weapon this season - and his 15 goals are tied for eighth in the league.
Capitals Lineup from Last Game:
- Beauvillier - Strome - Ovechkin
- Protas - Sourdif - Wilson
- Duhaime - McMichael - Leonard
- Milano - Lapierre - Frank
Defense:
- Fehervary - Carlson
- Chychrun - Roy
- Sandin - van Riemsdyk
Goalies:
- Thompson
- Lindgren
Injured: Dubois, Dowd
Stat Pack
- The last time these teams met, Washington edged LA 2-1, snapping the Kings’ 10-game road point streak. Ovechkin and former King Matt Roy scored in that one.
- LA enters tonight’s game with a 6-1-3 record over their last 10 - the best stretch in the Pacific Division.
- Corey Perry will earn a $250K bonus tonight - a nice little milestone for the veteran forward.
On This Day in Kings History
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. On December 2, 1989, Kelly Hrudey stopped all 35 shots he faced in a 6-0 shutout win over the Rangers.
Luc Robitaille scored twice that night, moving into second in league scoring. Just another reminder that the Kings have a long history of legendary performances - and tonight could be another chapter.
How to Watch
Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. PT. You can catch the game on FanDuel Sports or stream the radio call via the ESPN LA app.
And if you haven’t yet, check out new Kings play-by-play voice John Kelly - he’s got some great stories about joining the broadcast team and calling games against the Kings before joining the fold.
Tonight isn’t just a regular-season game - it’s a celebration of two generational talents sharing the ice one last time. But for the Kings, it’s also about staying sharp, banking points, and continuing their push in a tight Pacific Division race.
Ovechkin vs. Kopitar, one last time. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts.