For the first time in four years, the LA Kings will skate in a home playoff game on Friday night. After splitting the first two contests in Edmonton, this is essentially a best-of-five series now.
Look for LA Kings goalie prospect Jacob Ingham to join the team tomorrow as part of the Black Aces. If you're not familiar with him, read up —> https://t.co/TcZ5rNc0K5 pic.twitter.com/hCkTUWmQyC
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) May 6, 2022
"Bottom six" jersey color:
55, 34, 48, 23, 46, 91, 89 https://t.co/cANQ93fntp— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) May 6, 2022
Based upon the groupings at morning skate in El Segundo, coach Todd McLellan appears to be using the same top three lines, as outlined below. The lone question among the forwards remains on the fourth line, where there is at least a possibility of Rasmus Kupari drawing in. It would be his NHL playoff debut.
While not in the lineup every night, Kupari did manage to suit up 57 times for the Kings this season, posting 13 points (5G, 8A) in a support role. He played 10 games in April, producing a goal vs. Minnesota and then added an assist during the final game of the regular season in Vancouver.
Also of note from the morning skate, forward Viktor Arvidsson did not participate. No further updates were available at the time this article was published. A few players skated following the team session — indicating they will be scratched tonight — they were: Gabe Vilardi, Lias Andersson, Jacob Moverare, Toby Bjornfot, and Austin Strand. Eventually, Quinton Byfield joined the group, suggesting he will be the player removed to make room for Kupari.
Troy Stecher did skate with the main group. However, we’re not expecting him to play in Game 3.
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. EDMONTON OILERS
Athanasiou – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Iafallo
Grundstrom – Lizotte – Brown
Lemieux – Kupari – Kaliyev
Other options: Andersson, Arvidsson, Byfield, Vilardi
Edler – Roy
Anderson – Durzi
Maatta – Spence
Other options: Bjornfot, Moverare, Strand, Stecher
LTIR: Doughty, Walker
Quick (starter)
Petersen
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00pm PST and the game will be televised on Bally Sports Network.
RELATED CONTENT:
NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Kings v Oilers, Kempe, Moore, and Arvidsson
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