The Kings are on a roll, picking up five out of a possible six points on their current road trip. That's a solid performance, and it looks like they're heating up at just the right time.
With a recent coaching change, the team seems to have found a new rhythm. DJ Smith, known for demanding a more physical and intense style, appears to have injected fresh energy into the squad. The Kings have looked like a different team these past two weeks, and the results are starting to show.
They’ve kicked off their road trip with a 2-0-1 record, a promising start in this crucial five-game stretch. As they face the Devils tonight, the Kings are eager to climb the standings in the Pacific Division. Every game feels like a must-win as they fight to maintain their playoff position.
Anze Kopitar is on the brink of making history, just one point away from tying Marcel Dionne for the most points in franchise history. With Artemi Panarin on his wing, who’s been on fire since joining the team, that milestone could be reached any moment. It’s a monumental achievement for Kopitar, his family, and the entire LA Kings organization.
But knowing Kopitar, his focus will be on securing another victory tonight.
Statistically Speaking
- Alex Laferriere, a Chatham, N.J., native, has notched three points in five games against the Devils.
- Kopitar scored his eighth goal of the season last night, bringing his career total to 1,306 NHL points, just shy of tying Marcel Dionne for the franchise record.
- His goal also marked his 608th career road point, surpassing Dionne for the most in Kings history.
- Last night’s win over the Islanders was only the third time the Kings have won on Friday the 13th in the regular season, with memorable past victories in 2000 and 1989. They also clinched their second Stanley Cup on Friday, June 13, 2014, with Alec Martinez’s unforgettable double-overtime goal.
- Drew Doughty is set to play his 1,263rd NHL game tonight, tying Scott Niedermayer for 27th in games played by a defenseman. Doughty and Niedermayer won Olympic gold together in 2010.
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Islanders
- Forwards: Panarin - Kopitar - Kempe Moore - Byfield - Laferriere Turcotte - Laughton - Wright Malott - Helenius - Ward
- Defense: Anderson - Doughty Edmundson - Clarke Dumoulin - Ceci
- Goalies: Forsberg (starter) Kuemper
Likely scratches: Joseph (F), Moverare (D)
Injured Reserve: Armia, Fiala, Kuzmenko
Across the Ice
The Devils are coming off a tight 5-4 loss to Calgary. Here’s how they lined up:
- Forwards: Meier - Hischier - Mercer Bratt - J Hughes - Brown Gritsyuk - Glass - Hameenaho Cotter - Bjugstad - Tsyplakov
- Defense: Siegenthaler - Hamilton L Hughes - Kovacevic Dillon - Nemec
- Goalie: Markstrom
On This Day in Kings History
Back on March 13, 2012, Kings captain Dustin Brown extended his point streak to nine games with two assists in a win over the Red Wings. Brown racked up five goals and 14 points during that streak. #GoKingsGo