About a decade ago, when Darryl Sutter coached the LA Kings, one of his more infamous quips was, “It’s a 3-2 league.”
Since being hired by Calgary to return as their head coach last year, Sutter’s Flames have played the Kings twice. Both games ended with a 3-2 final, naturally.
Back in early December, the first of those 3-2 scores came in LA, with Sutter’s squad skating to the win. Alex Iafallo had put LA up 1-0 early, only to have the road team post three straight goals to take command. Alex Edler added another goal late, but it wasn’t enough. Cal Petersen was in goal that night and took the loss.
Last week in Calgary, Iafallo again opened the scoring. A pair of goals by the Flames gave them the lead through more than 50 minutes of regulation. Viktor Arvidsson potted his 19th goal of the season to tie it and eventually force overtime. Five more minutes decided nothing, so the game went to a shootout and Lias Andersson was the only player on either side to score – giving the Kings their own 3-2 victory. Petersen was in goal that night and he’s expected back between the pipes tonight.
Some random notes from LA Kings morning skate:
— Cal Petersen off first
— Roy, Lemieux, Brown all starting (not taking regular rushes)
— 9 D total on ice… Edler, Stecher, Roy, Maatta, Moverare, Spence, Durzi, Strand, Bjornfot (Moverare, Strand, Roy out tonight)
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 4, 2022
Although several injured players were back skating with the team at practice this morning, indications were coach Todd McLellan plans to go with the same lineup he used over the weekend in Winnipeg.
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. CALGARY FLAMES
Iafallo – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Vilardi – Byfield – Kupari
Grundstrom – Andersson – Kaliyev
Other options: N/A
Injured: Lizotte
IR: Athanasiou, Brown, Lemieux
Bjornfot – Durzi
Maatta – Spence
Edler – Stecher
Other options: Strand, Moverare
IR: Anderson, Doughty, Roy
Petersen (starter)
Quick
KINGS DAILY QUESTION
Today's #GoKingsGo question of the day…
Which current/former #Flames player do/did you boo the most?
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 4, 2022
VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
#Flames Roster Update: Defenceman Juuso Valimaki and forward Adam Ruzicka have been recalled from the @AHLHeat.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 4, 2022
Jarnkrok back on the third line for the morning skate. No Ritchie, no Kylington. Markstrom in the starter’s net. Valimaki and Ruzicka skating too. pic.twitter.com/YIJd7QpNn7
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) April 4, 2022
KINGS MILESTONES WITHIN REACH
Anze Kopitar — needs 11 points to pass Dave Taylor for third on the Kings all-time scoring list
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30pm PST today and the game will be televised on Bally Sports Network.
RELATED CONTENT:
NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Kings Goaltending, Durzi’s Future, and LA Playoff Hopes
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