Over the weekend, the Kings wrapped up their 8-game season series vs. the Anaheim Ducks. Now it’s time to do the same in Arizona against the Coyotes. To date, LA holds a 3-2-1 record when playing Rick Tocchet’s club this season.
At the pre-game skate earlier today, perhaps the most intriguing note is that Alex Iafallo wasn’t skating in the group with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown.
This is how coach Todd McLellan grouped his players this morning:
White jerseys: Anderson-Dolan, Andersson, Grundstrom, Iafallo, Lemieux, Luff and Wagner
Grey jerseys: Athanasiou, Byfield, Brown, Kempe, Kopitar, Moore, Vilardi
A little light was shed on the situation at the post-skate media availability.
Kempe up with Kopitar tonight — per McLellan
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) May 3, 2021
McLellan also confirmed Grundstrom will play tonight when we asked about him during the zoom call.
Armed with a few tea leaves, we’ll play along and take a shot at the lineup…
LA Kings projected lineup vs. Arizona Coyotes
Kempe – Kopitar – Brown
Athanasiou – Byfield – Moore
Iafallo – Vilardi – Andersson
Lemieux – JAD – Grundstrom
Anderson- Doughty
Bjornfot – Roy
Maatta – Walker
Quick (starter)
Petersen
Other players available:
Kurtis MacDermid
Christian Wolanin
Matt Luff
Austin Wagner
Not on the trip:
Blake Lizotte (injured, upper body)
Taxi Squad:
Troy Grosenick, Drake Rymsha, Cole Hults, and Tyler Madden
Additional Notes:
On the Arizona side, Phil Kessel’s next point will make him the 14th American to join the 900 point club. They’re also potentially without several players, including: Tyler Pitlick (day to day, lower body), Antti Raanta (day to day, upper body), and Conor Garland (week to week, lower body).
For an updated look at the plan for Byfield this week, see the article linked below.
RELATED CONTENT:
Only One Call-Up Remaining, Who Should the Kings Promote from AHL Ontario
Saturday: LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Anaheim Ducks, Plus Update on Byfield
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