Kings head coach Todd McLellan exited protocol and flew all the way across country to join his club for a single game on Monday. They rewarded him with another two points and kept a firm grip on second place in the Pacific Division.
Pacific Division standings
3.10.2022 pic.twitter.com/lZoGfUygO0— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 10, 2022
Although the road trip was successful from a win-loss perspective, it was a costly one, as well.
As first reported on MayorsManor back on Monday morning — and then confirmed by McLellan following Wednesday’s practice — Brendan Lemieux and Viktor Arvidsson will be sidelined for at least a week. Mikey Anderson joined that list later that day, putting the Kings down three players from their regular rotation.
Pro sports can be funny that way. One man’s misery is often another man’s opportunity. And reinforcements are on the way.
Lias Andersson was recalled from his AHL conditioning assignment, where he scored six goals in four games. He’s expected to get fourth line duty on Thursday.
LA Kings roster move…
Defenseman Jordan Spence being recalled from AHL Ontario.
He's leading AHL rookie defensemen in scoring. And is second among ALL defensemen.
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 9, 2022
Full participant at LA Kings practice today… pic.twitter.com/4pInRRsBXO
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 9, 2022
TBD
Today's practice started with:
Moverare-Spence
Maatta-Roy
Björnfot-DurziSpence was even given a shot at running the point on 2nd PP unit.
Doughty initially not in drills, was instead working on stuff with Sturm. Eventually joined, working on defending 2-on-1 rushes, etc. https://t.co/I9INjT5at7
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 9, 2022
Although Jordan Spence was also recalled from the Ontario Reign and participated in practice on Wednesday, it remains unclear if he will start vs. San Jose alongside fellow rookie Jacob Moverare — who will be suiting up for his fourth game of the season. Final defensive pairings are unclear, as the status of Drew Doughty isn’t known yet. He did eventually join the team at practice yesterday, after beginning the day doing some one-on-one side work with Marco Sturm. Knowing Doughty, it will likely take a lot to keep him out of the lineup. Thursday’s morning skate was optional, so we’ll pencil him in for now and wait for the song.
Update — Doughty will not play, per McLellan. Spence is in. He’ll be the 13th defenseman to play for the Kings this season.
Lots from Toddfather this AM:
No Drew Doughty tonight, but day-to-day.
Jordan Spence NHL debut will run 2nd PP, Jacob Moverare in as well.No decision on extra forward tonight, not 100% recall to fill final roster spot will be made (saving cap space) with Arvidsson to IR.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) March 10, 2022
Perhaps most intriguing is not just the reconfigured top line, but sentiments shared by McLellan that would indicate he intends to give the new-look line an extended audition over the next few weeks.
LA Kings new top line…
AAA line https://t.co/nmrOdu9XVi pic.twitter.com/u7kS3Y2Qxr
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 10, 2022
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. SAN JOSE SHARKS
Kempe – Kopitar – Kaliyev
Moore – Danault – Athanasiou
Iafallo – Byfield – Brown
Andersson – Lizotte – Anderson-Dolan
Other options: Grundstrom
IR: Arvidsson, Lemieux
Maatta – Roy
Björnfot – Durzi
Moverare – Spence
Other options: Doughty
IR: Anderson
Quick (starter)
Petersen
KINGS DAILY QUESTION
Your #GoKingsGo question of the day…
With Mikey Anderson on IR, who would you like to see Doughty paired with?
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 10, 2022
VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
Sharks projected lineup:
Dahlen – Couture – Meier
Barabanov – Hertl – Balcers
Gadjovich – Reedy – Gregor
Cogliano – Bonino – Viel
Middleton – Burns
Karlsson – Megna
Vlasic – Meloche
Sawchenko
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 7:30pm PST today and the game will be televised on Bally Sports Network.
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AK Line
Adrian Kempe – Anze Kopitar – Arthur Kaliyev
Really, obviously. AK47 might be too much