To say that LA coach Todd McLellan was displeased after his team’s loss on Wednesday night would be a Rocky Mountain sized understatement. Not only did the Avs down the Kings 6-0 they appeared to outplay them by a wide margin.
Game 55: McLellan’s Shortest Postgame Presser of the Season https://t.co/1nC1z0h2EL#LAKings#GoKingsGo#hockeytwitter pic.twitter.com/ma4KTv1W38
— MayorsManor.com Staff (@MayorsManor) May 13, 2021
For the grand finale of their 2021 season, McLellan will make at least two lineup changes – possibly more.
When I asked Todd about the goaltending…
Grosenick will play tomorrow
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) May 13, 2021
Up front, we hear that forward Matt Luff will make his return to the lineup for the first time since April 24 vs. Arizona. From all indications, this could be Luff’s last game in a Kings uniform. With only 12 games played this season, it doesn’t appear he’s earned the trust of McLellan and likely doesn’t fit into the plans going forward.
On defense, McLellan could also opt to throw a bone to Christian Wolanin, who was just named to Team USA’s roster for the upcoming World Championships. Originally acquired in a trade for Michael Amadio (who happens to be celebrating a birthday today), the 26-year-old blueliner has only skated in three games for the Kings, none since April 12. Getting one game in before heading overseas in the next few days could be beneficial.
Happy birthday to former @LAKings forward Michael Amadio, who was born on May 13, 1996.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/xaFkyZdTH5
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) May 13, 2021
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1392848698120413184
On Wednesday, @Avalanche defenseman @Cmakar8 (20-73—93) skated in the 100th regular-season game of his NHL career.#NHLStats: https://t.co/DVRYg6LQrY pic.twitter.com/z5igsBklrS
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 13, 2021
LA Kings projected lineup vs. Colorado Avalanche
Kempe – Kopitar – Moore
Iafallo – Vilardi – Andersson
Wagner – Kupari – Athanasiou
Grundstrom – JAD – Luff
Anderson- Doughty
Bjornfot – Roy
Wolanin – Walker
Grosenick (starter)
Petersen
Other players available:
Kurtis MacDermid
Olli Maatta
Brendan Lemieux
Drake Rymsha (recalled on emergency basis)
Rymsha is one of two remaining pieces on the Gretzky trade tree.
He's played one game in 2021 season, in the AHL. Originally drafted in 2017, he's split time the past two seasons between ECHL/AHL.
If — if, if, if — he plays tonight, it would be his NHL debut. https://t.co/7dBNOvEhyX
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) May 13, 2021
Not available:
Blake Lizotte (injured, upper body)
Dustin Brown is out for the season (injured, upper body)
Jonathan Quick
Taxi Squad:
Jacob Ingham, Drake Rymsha, Cole Hults, and Tyler Madden
If you missed it, Quinton Byfield has been returned to the Ontario Reign. He’s expected to play in their final two games this coming weekend in Tucson and then they’ll begin the AHL playoffs next week — more in the article linked below.
RELATED CONTENT:
Ontario Reign: 2021 AHL Postseason Tournament Details, Plus Byfield Notes
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