There are two schools of thought entering Game 4 on Sunday night.
Some think the Kings are in big trouble having been blown out in the last two games.
Others realize that an LA victory ties the series 2-2 and brings everything even, despite a pair of lopsided contests.
The latter was even a theme during Friday’s postgame press conference, specifically with some of the thoughts shared by Phillip Danault.
Danault — Tonight was a big slap in the face, we need to regroup… It's a 2-1 series, so we need to step up… Kids, vets, we all need to get better… We're a good team, we're in the playoffs for a reason, we just need to be better with our execution.
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) May 7, 2022
There's a lot of work to do, but we can do it. — Danault
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) May 7, 2022
If you’re looking for some historical perspective, here’s a fascinating stat:
Oilers 17 goals are the most by a team through the first 3 games of a postseason since the Sharks netted 17 goals in their 2014 first-round series vs….the Kings
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 7, 2022
As for any potential lineup changes Kings coach Todd McLellan will look to employ, he has several game-time decisions coming up. Unfortunately, forward Viktor Arvidsson isn’t part of the equation, as he’s already been ruled out for Game 4.
Up front, McLellan’s options are somewhat limited, especially among his potential players to use in top-6 roles. That being said, we still like the lineup suggested on twitter:
I'll just leave this here…
My lines for Game 4
13-11-89
12-24-9
19-46-23
48-55-91— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) May 7, 2022
Based on what we’re hearing today, below is a likely look at how the Kings will lineup tonight. How things shake out on the second line could also impact the bottom-6 groupings.
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. EDMONTON OILERS
Grundstrom – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Iafallo
Lemieux – Lizotte – Brown
Kaliyev – Kupari – Vilardi
Other options: Andersson, Athanasiou, Byfield
Injured: Arvidsson
Anderson – Roy
Edler – 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.
AND DON’T FORGET:
5pm today! @LAKings Fan Fest.
Don't be late.
Live KOTP.
Come by and ask us a question during the show… You'll win a limited edition KOTP t-shirt! https://t.co/nge1ridO2N
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) May 8, 2022
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