Although the Kings are 7-3-0 over their last 10 games and have been working to solidify their claim on second place in the Pacific Division, they’ve now lost two straight games. That’s certainly a small sample size — and nobody in LA management circles is pushing the panic button — yet a win in Columbus on Friday night would certainly calm any concern. Everybody likes a good victory.
Tonight begins a stretch of three games in four nights, with a back-to-back set kicking off Sunday in Buffalo.
Head coach Todd McLellan appears to still be in protocol, but we’ll assume he has signed off on two key changes Trent Yawney will be making before puck drop vs. the Blue Jackets.
For all the talk of Adrian Kempe’s career year, his linemates have been a little bit quiet of late. Center Anze Kopitar may have 10 assists over the past 10 games, buy he’s also only managed just one goal over that stretch. Left wing Alex Iafallo has just two points total over his past 12 games, including a lone goal way back on January 30.
Enter Jaret Anderson-Dolan.
If you’re looking for red hot, JAD is probably a perfect definition at the moment. Called up from AHL Ontario for the Kings current road trip, the 22-year-old forward had points in 10 of his past 11 games with the Reign. He put up 10 goals during that stretch, including two in his most recent game played, coming last Sunday vs. Tucson.
Yawney plans to put JAD up on the top line at LW1; sliding Iafallo down to join the Quinton Byfield line. For those who don’t follow the Reign closely, JAD has played at wing more than center this season.
With Jonathan Quick expected back in net tonight, that means he should get two of the three starts to close out the roadie.
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
JAD – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Byfield – Brown
Lemieux – Lizotte – Kaliyev
Other options: Athanasiou, Grundstrom
Anderson – Doughty
Maatta – Roy
Björnfot – Durzi
Other options: Moverare
Quick (starter)
Petersen
KINGS DAILY QUESTION
Today's #GoKingsGo question…
Which LA player will be the first to record a Shot on Goal vs CBJ?
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 4, 2022
VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
One player to focus on tonight is Patrik Laine. Should the Jackets make him available at the Trade Deadline or this summer, the pending RFA could be an attractive piece for LA to consider. Could they afford him? Well, that’s a different issue — and something we covered here.
#CBJ D Zach Werenski returns tonight vs. #LAKings
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 4, 2022
Also, F Yegor Chinakhov returns to the lineup tonight vs. #LAKings. He’ll take Brendan Gaunce’s spot.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 4, 2022
After playing well since being recalled, former Kings prospect JF Berube will serve as backup tonight. CBJ will start Elvis Merzlikins in net. More lineup notes here.
KINGS MILESTONES WITHIN REACH
Anze Kopitar — needs 20 points to pass Dave Taylor for third on the Kings all-time scoring list
Dustin Brown — 6 goals away from passing Bernie Nicholls for fifth place in Kings franchise history
Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00pm PST tonight and the game will be televised on Bally Sports Network.
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LA Kings Salary Cap Crunch: What Trades Can They Afford to Make?
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