For the third time in eight days, the Kings and Sharks will hook up again on Thursday night. Results in the previous pair weren’t very favorable. Despite being near the bottom of the Pacific Division standings, San Jose claimed a 4-3 OT victory in LA last Thursday and then picked up a 5-0 shutout in Saturday’s rematch. The first game in the set was especially frustrating for Kings players and management, as they led the game 3-2 after 40 minutes, only to come from ahead to fall in overtime.
Pacific Division standings
3.17.2022 pic.twitter.com/GgB0EXmMp3— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 17, 2022
Bringing things back to the present, LA continues to hold down second place in the Pacific Division. They’re currently on pace for 98 points, a level they haven’t seen since the 2017-18 season (and, yes, that was also their last trip to the postseason).
As for tonight’s lineup, all signs are pointing to a very significant return on the blueline…
No Cal Petersen at this morning's LA Kings skate yet.
Again — Not necessarily an indication of anything specific, as morning skate can be optional lately.
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 17, 2022
LA Kings defensemen at morning skate:
Edler, Doughty, Maatta, Spence, Strand, Durzi, Moverare
From what were hearing, Doughty isn't expected to play vs. San Jose. So… Edler could be ready to make his return tonight (which is ahead of schedule).
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 17, 2022
LA Kings defensemen at morning skate:
Edler, Doughty, Maatta, Spence, Strand, Durzi, Moverare
From what were hearing, Doughty isn't expected to play vs. San Jose. So… Edler could be ready to make his return tonight (which is ahead of schedule).
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 17, 2022
Edler was the first defenseman off the ice when morning skate ended. Meanwhile, Doughty meandered about for quite some time, as the last one off.
Now, first guy off in this case isn’t the best indicator he’s starting — like it would for a goalie — yet it’s a strong indication. If Edler wasn’t playing, he’d most likely stick around for some additional work.
With Matt Roy being moved to IR and Christian Wolanin returned to AHL Ontario, there is an open roster spot available for Edler to be activated off IR. UPDATE: Edler has officially been activated off of IR.
One more LAK update – Lias Andersson could be in tonight, Kings waiting on status of one player to make that call.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) March 17, 2022
If Lias Andersson was to draw in, it would most likely be in a bottom-6 role, that’s the group he skated with this morning.
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. SAN JOSE SHARKS
Iafallo – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Kaliyev
Kupari – Byfield – Vilardi
Grundstrom – Lizotte – Frk
Other options: Andersson
IR: Arvidsson, Brown, Lemieux
Maatta – Spence
Edler – Durzi
Moverare – Strand
Other options: N/A
Injured: Bjornfot
IR: Anderson, Doughty, Roy
Petersen (starter)
Quick
(new article) LA Kings Injury and Potential Trade Updates – Notes on Doughty, Arvidsson, Brown, and Othershttps://t.co/NYoiQeWqGF pic.twitter.com/Vh1qKdbvwO
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 17, 2022
KINGS DAILY QUESTION
In advance of the LA-SJ matchup tonight, here's your #goKingsgo question of the day…
Which NoCal sports team do you despise most?
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 17, 2022
VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
(more coming soon, after Sharks morning skate)
Per source, AAV on Hertl's deal is $8.1375 million. No move for the first three years, other five have a modified no trade.
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) March 16, 2022
KINGS MILESTONES WITHIN REACH
Anze Kopitar — needs 19 points to pass Dave Taylor for third on the Kings all-time scoring list
Dustin Brown — 4 goals away from passing Bernie Nicholls for fifth place in Kings franchise history
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00pm PST today and the game will be televised on ESPN+ (not Bally Sports Network).
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