This is it. Tonight could be the night.
Coming off of a victory over the Coyotes on Monday night — a feat that pushed LA’s season record vs. Arizona to 4-2-1 — the Kings will attempt to do something they haven’t done since Feb 24th.
That was the last time they won two consecutive games.
At that time, the Kings had just completed a two-game sweep of the St. Louis Blues, which was preceded by a two-game sweep of the Coyotes. It marks the only time this season they’ve swept a series.
Could Wednesday night bring their third sweep of 2021 and consecutive wins for the first time in over two months?
And all of this comes while Anze Kopitar is chasing his 1,000 career point.
Coach Todd McLellan appears to be going with largely the same lineup, sans the backup goaltender.
Quick is a little sore. Won't dress tomorrow. Cal and Grosenick will dress. — McLellan
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) May 4, 2021
McLellan at afternoon practice on the top line changes – Kempe carries the puck, Iafallo forechecks differently. Juice was skating well last night, transported the puck well. Because Kempe is a good skater, Kopi doesn't have to do as much skating.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) May 4, 2021
McLellan talking up something that doesn't get mentioned enough… Kopitar getting 1,0000 points in LA — traditionally not a high-powered offensive team — is even more remarkable than just the fact he's about to reach a milestone that so few players in NHL history ever reach.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) May 4, 2021
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
Petersen (starter)
Grosenick *
* note: Grosenick is up on an emergency recall, the Kings have one call-up remaining (candidates listed here)
Other players available:
Kurtis MacDermid
Christian Wolanin
Matt Luff
Austin Wagner
Not on the trip:
Blake Lizotte (injured, upper body)
Taxi Squad:
Matt Villalta, Drake Rymsha, Cole Hults, and Tyler Madden
Follow-up move:
Sounds like goalie Jacob Ingham will rejoin AHL Ontario from ECHL Greenville.
You really should listen to this https://t.co/nNIAGirRV1 — when Ingham & Dudas joined us on KOTP from Berlin, they were AWESOME!
Ingham has 1GP w/ the Reign this season, a W vs TUC. https://t.co/Rm1ZeRYMHh
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) May 5, 2021
Should McLellan provide any key updates during his media availability later this morning, this article will be updated.
Rookie Quinton Byfield will be playing in his fifth NHL game tonight. For an updated look at how management plans to use the young center in the days ahead, see our recent 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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