The Los Angeles Kings are staring down a six-game road trip that could very well define their season - or at least shape the front office’s next move. It all begins Saturday night in St.
Louis, where the Kings face a Blues team that’s been reeling, dropping three straight and struggling to find the back of the net. Sound familiar?
For head coach Jim Hiller and general manager Ken Holland, this road swing is more than just a test of endurance - it’s a measuring stick. The Kings have been offensively challenged for much of the season, and how they perform over the next two weeks could force the organization to make a call: add reinforcements and push for the postseason, or start making some tough decisions about the direction of the roster.
Health Check: Help Is (Possibly) on the Way
There’s some good news on the injury front. Anze Kopitar and Trevor Moore - both key pieces who’ve been sidelined - made the trip with the team.
That’s a strong indicator they’re close. Whether they suit up tonight is still up in the air, but the Kings have the roster flexibility to activate either without needing to make another move.
With two open spots on the active roster, there’s no need for a corresponding transaction. If either is going to play, we’ll know by 2 p.m.
PT when activation decisions are due.
Elsewhere on the health front, the Kings are getting bodies back. Corey Perry, Joel Armia, Drew Doughty, and Darcy Kuemper all appear ready to go after various ailments. Kuemper, who took a stinger in his last start, says he’s good to roll, but Hiller could opt to give him a bit more rest depending on how things shake out.
The Kings have dealt with lineup fluctuations all season - a revolving door of injuries that’s made it tough to find rhythm. But with the roster nearing full strength, there’s an opportunity here to finally get some continuity, build chemistry, and - maybe - start playing like the team many expected to see this year.
Opportunity Knocks in St. Louis
Tonight’s matchup is one the Kings need to capitalize on. The Blues are one of the few teams in the league who’ve struggled to score even more than L.A., and they’re coming off a tough 3-2 loss to Dallas.
This is a chance for the Kings not just to bank two points, but to set the tone for the road trip. Momentum matters - and coming off a strong win over the Rangers on Tuesday, this could be the spark they’ve been waiting for.
Numbers Worth Noting
- Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe have made themselves at home at Enterprise Center, each putting up five points in their last five games there dating back to October 2022.
- Andrei Kuzmenko has been a Blues killer in St. Louis - five goals and six points in four career visits.
For whatever reason, he’s found a groove in the Gateway City.
- Corey Perry made his Kings debut in St. Louis back in October. He logged just under 15 minutes of ice time and picked up a couple of penalty minutes that night.
- Kuemper and Jordan Binnington - tonight’s likely starters - are both vying for Canada’s starting job at the upcoming Winter Olympics. That adds an extra layer of intrigue to this goaltending duel.
- Taylor Ward notched his first goal of the season - and second of his NHL career - on Tuesday. Fun fact: his father, Dixon Ward, played 34 games for the Kings back in 1994 after being traded from Vancouver. Hockey roots run deep in that family.
Projected Kings Lineup vs. Blues
Here’s how things are expected to look at puck drop:
Forwards:
- Kempe - Laferriere - Perry
- Foegele - Byfield - Armia
- Fiala - Turcotte - Kuzmenko
- Malott - Helenius - Ward
Defense:
- Anderson - Doughty
- Edmundson - Clarke
- Dumoulin - Ceci
Goaltenders:
- Kuemper (starter)
- Forsberg
Scratches:
- (F) N/A
- (D) Moverare
Injured Reserve:
- Kopitar, Moore
Recent Roster Move:
- Lee was returned to AHL Ontario on Sunday, Jan. 19
The Other Side: St. Louis Blues
The Blues are coming off a narrow loss to the Stars and will be looking to snap a three-game skid. Here's how they lined up in that one:
Forwards:
- Berggren - Schenn - Snuggerud
- Neighbours - Buchnevich - Kyrou
- Stenberg - Dvorsky - Joseph
- Toropchenko - Bjugstad - Fabbri
Defense:
- Broberg - Parayko
- Tucker - Faulk
- Fowler - Mailloux
Goaltender:
- Binnington
How to Watch
Puck drops at 5:00 p.m. PT. You can catch the game on FanDuel Sports, with radio coverage streaming on the ESPN LA app.
A Bit of Kings History
On this day back in 2008, legendary Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda delivered a pregame speech to the Kings before a home game against the Ducks. Whatever he said worked - L.A. beat Anaheim 3-1 at STAPLES Center. A little inspiration never hurts.
This road trip is more than just a stretch of games away from home - it’s a moment of truth for the Kings. With key players returning and a chance to build momentum against a struggling opponent, tonight’s game could be the first step in turning the tide. Or, if things go south, it might be the beginning of a very different conversation in the front office.