Kings coach Todd McLellan enters Sunday’s back-half of this weekend’s back-to-back games in a very tough spot.
He likely needs to make several roster changes. However, nothing is really obvious on paper at the moment.
Just a few days ago, talk behind the scenes was that rookie defenseman Sean Durzi would make his NHL debut today. The question was, who would he replace? A long article could have even been written looking at the pros and cons of resting Olli Maatta, Toby Bjornfot, Kale Clague… heck, even Alex Edler could have been the guy to sit out, instead of playing him on consecutive days.
Kings lineup news…
Another swerve — Sounds like Sean Durzi will not make his NHL debut today after all.
We'll have more later.
— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) November 21, 2021
In the end, that debate will have to wait. Earlier this morning, MayorsManor learned that plans have changed and Durzi will not draw in today.
Moving up to forward, there’s plenty to discuss. The elephant in the room surrounds what to do with Viktor Arvidsson. As we discussed at length on last week’s Kings Of The Podcast, it certainly seems like he could use a brief respite from top line duties. Yes, he missed time due to being in protocol — and then was out a while longer with a separate issue. For some reason, though, the magic just isn’t there yet playing alongside Anze Kopitar. It doesn’t mean it will never work. It just isn’t working thus far.
Further down the lineup, the bottom-6 also comes with issues for McLellan. Carl Grundstrom was starting to play well, only to recently find himself out of the lineup. Lias Andersson added value when he was playing last month and he hasn’t been able to find his way back in since being injured a few weeks ago. It would seem McLellan would want at least one, if not both, back playing games sooner, not later. So what’s the problem?
For starters, Blake Lizotte and Brendan Lemieux are screwing things up (said tongue in cheek). Who would have thought they’d become such a dynamic duo; almost like Danault-Iafallo light, in terms of effectiveness. Just a month ago, few would have predicted Lizotte and Lemieux needing to be fixtures in the lineup every night.
This type of ‘problem’ is limiting McLellan’s options. Not that he’s listening to suggestions, but we at least offered up a few combinations for discussion recently:
And here's even another idea
9-11-23
19-24-33
17-89-22
48-12-34— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) November 14, 2021
About the only easy decision McLellan has today is putting Jonathan Quick in at goaltender.
The lineup projection below is pure speculation. Without a morning skate and/or input from McLellan, we have little to go on.
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. ARIZONA COYOTES on 11/21
Kempe – Kopitar – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Danault – Athanasiou
Grundstrom/Andersson – Kupari – Brown
Lemieux – Lizotte – Kaliyev
Other options: Moore
Edler – Roy
Björnfot – Anderson
Maatta – Clague
Other options: Durzi
Quick (starter)
Petersen
Injured Reserve: Doughty and Walker
Today is #HockeyFightsCancer day in LA pic.twitter.com/f9fsbtwT4W
— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) November 21, 2021
On the Coyotes side of things:
Arizona is coming off an overtime victory on Saturday.
Last season, the Coyotes were 3-4-1 vs. the Kings – with all three wins coming in LA.
Defenseman Jakob Chychrun is carrying a six game points streak vs. the Kings. Who was the last Coyotes player to do something like that? Shane Doan, of course (back in 2007-08).
Happy birthday, Roussel! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/w6suDHEgCh
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 21, 2021
KINGS MILESTONES WITHIN REACH
Alex Edler – one goal away from career number 100
Anze Kopitar – needs 54 points to pass Dave Taylor for third on the Kings all-time scoring list
Dustin Brown is 10 goals away from passing Bernie Nicholls for fifth place in Kings franchise history
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm PST tonight and the game will be on Bally Sports Network.
RELATED CONTENT:
Kings Of The Podcast: Ep. 115 – Debrief After 15 Games, Plus Pending Roster Decisions
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Another 1-goal game from the offense. If your 4th line is the best line in terms of scoring chances, then there’s no offense, period. I’m beginning to think DB is right, play the kids, because this roster is not going to generate goals. I don’t care that they’re young, and inexperienced. If you’re not willing to trade them for elite talent, then play them and see what they can do. If it ruins their development because they’re overmatched, then they will always be overmatched, and your do not need them. The kings won the cup in 2012 and 2014 off the backs of non-Kings drafted players such as Richards, Scuderi, Carter, Mitchell Green, Stoll, JW, and even Penner. Yeah, I know Kopi, Brown, Drew, and Quick were there, but you can’t tell me that patience is the key to making the playoffs. It’s being smart and utilizing your young assets to make the push. Remember the Kings lost in 2010 and 2011 because they had no other lines besides Kopi and Brown. It’s time to figure out who’s gonna stay and who’s gonna go, you’re wasting Quick’s great start with no goal support. Sorry if this sounds like the ramblings of an inpatient fan, but we’re going on 7 years since the last cup. Trust me, I get it. You have to develop young talent, but right now every sports franchise in LA is more interesting then the Kings and if you fall behind, you’ll never get back to the top without winning.
One more thing to add to my rambling…isn’t the “Toddfather” the same same guy who got reversed swept by the Kings in 2014, and couldn’t work with McDavid and Dreisitl, so why would I put the trust in him to lead the team. If 2-time Stanley Cup champion Sutter could be fired, then why would you keep a non-winner like Todd McClelland after 2 1/4 losing seasons.
One theme all year – the 3rd line has been horrific. That’s the eye test – assume the stats back that up.
Surprised Trevor Moore doesn’t sit a game. I know’s he’s “quick and active”. Don’t see that adding to any productivity. Don’t see Trevor Moore playing more than 10 minutes a game on a talented team (not confusing this squad with a talented team)