Leaving Dallas with a point likely felt like an accomplishment for the LA Kings, given how a second period injury to Drew Doughty likely felt like all the air had been taken out of the room.
As we reported several hours after the game, Austin Strand was recalled from AHL Ontario — although he isn’t expected to play tonight.
Update to the update — told the early look shows no ligament damage, but Doughty's knee/leg will require further evaluation in LA later this week. https://t.co/qCyGvFuynB
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 23, 2021
(new article) With Doughty Out Injured, LA Kings to Recall Austin Strand from AHL Ontariohttps://t.co/2iUpqlS7GV
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 23, 2021
In advance of Game 5 vs. the Blues, it’s a bit of a challenge to gauge what LA coach Todd McLellan may do with his lineup, especially without a morning skate due to it being a travel day.
At forward, we’d normally look for him to get rookie Vladimir Tkachev back into the lineup. Yet with Kaliyev setting up Vilardi for a nice goal in Dallas, combined with the overall effectiveness of the Blake Lizotte line, this likely isn’t the time to mess with the bottom-6.
On defense, Olli Maatta is expected to draw in. Where will he play? That’s the question. Alex Edler is an option to fill into Doughty’s spot alongside Mikey Anderson, as is Maatta. One thing is certain, the Kings will need more from Sean Walker in the days ahead.
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. ST. LOUIS ON 10/23
Arvidsson – Kopitar – Brown
Kempe – Danault – Iafallo
Moore – Vilardi – Kaliyev
Grundstrom – Lizotte – Kupari
Other options: Tkachev
Björnfot – Roy
Edler – Walker
Maatta – Anderson
Other options: Strand
Petersen (starter)
Quick
Injured Reserve: Andersson and Athanasiou, plus Doughty
Non-Roster / Not Available: Lemieux
KINGS MILESTONES WITHIN REACH
Alex Edler – one goal away from career number 100
Phil Danault – needs 4 games to reach 400 NHL games played
Anze Kopitar – needs 61 points to pass Dave Taylor for third on the Kings all-time scoring list
On the St. Louis Blues side of things…
They will be without several players, including Brandon Saad and Pavel Buchnevich.
#STLblues will wear their Heritage jersey vs the #GoKingsGo this Saturday pic.twitter.com/MLi0kka3zo
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 21, 2021
#theColonel Kyle Clifford will draw in tonight, making his season debut… https://t.co/TD8tucgGHz
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 24, 2021
Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 pm PST tonight and the game will be televised on Bally Sports Network.
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#theColonel Kyle Clifford will draw in tonight, making his season debut… https://t.co/TD8tucgGHz
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 24, 2021
TRADE ALERT: Kings Acquire Viktor Arvidsson From Nashville Predators
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