For the first time since February 2020, the Kings and Capitals will square off on Wednesday night. Given the one-off scheduling the NHL used last season, this will be a common theme throughout the year, where coach Todd McLellan is preparing for a team he hasn’t seen in quite some time.
There are several headlines leading into tonight’s game, including:
— Staples Center to be rebranded as Crypto.com Arena next month
— Gabe Vilardi has been assigned to AHL Ontario
— Cal Petersen’s new mask is on hold for the time being
However, the key story heading into the game has been building for months. Tonight will feature the on-ice debut of LA’s new alternate jersey (full story below), along with the return of their chrome helmets.
#GoKingsGo
Practice
11.16.2021 pic.twitter.com/652FXEOsx0— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) November 16, 2021
BREAKING NEWS: LA Kings New Alternative Jersey Design Confirmed
Even with an overtime loss to the Jets recently, snapping their 7-game winning streak, the Kings still have points in eight straight games. Can they make it nine straight vs. a Caps team that is 5-2-3 in their previous 10 games and dropped a game in overtime to the Ducks on Tuesday night?
LA Kings notes…
Dustin Brown is absent from today's morning skate. Well assume it's a maintenance day.
Cal Petersen is also absent thus far. Although Quick was expected to start.
— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) November 17, 2021
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. WASHINGTON CAPITALS on 11/17
Arvidsson – Kopitar – Brown
Iafallo – Danault – Athanasiou
Kempe – Kupari – Moore
Lemieux – Lizotte – Kaliyev
Other options: Andersson and Grundstrom
Maatta – Clague
Edler – Roy
Björnfot – Anderson
Other options: Strand
Quick (starter)
Petersen
Injured Reserve: Doughty and Walker
On the Capitals side of things:
For starters, Alexander Ovechkin is chasing down Wayne Gretzky’s goal record.
Their lineup from Tuesday night featured three rookie centers…
Lineys!#CapsDucks pic.twitter.com/8f0llmLJr4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 17, 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
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 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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If Andersson is healthy, he should be in the line-up.