What will Todd McLellan have in store coming off a disastrous 20 minutes in Buffalo just 48 hours ago?
In the words most have heard by now, ‘You’ll have to wait for the song.’
Word is, Pheonix Coley will return to the Kings goal crease; marking back-to-back starts. Defensively, Drew Doughty returned from injury vs. the Sabres, so the assumption is he’s still good to go. Alex Edler rested in that game, he’s at least a candidate to draw back in tonight. If he does, look for Toby Bjornfot to sit out — which has different ramifications on the defensive alignment. Depending on who is in vs. out, the second and third pair could be Durzi-Walker, Durzi-Roy, Bjornfot-Roy, Edler-Roy, Edler-Durzi, etc. It’s quite the dealer’s choice out on the blueline.
Up front, Jaret Anderson-Dolan was an interesting choice to fill in while Viktor Arvidsson is away from the team. Will he remain there for a second game? Maybe. That’s the best you’re getting coming out of an optional morning skate. If JAD is shuffled around, we’d expect Gabe Vilardi or Sammy Fagemo as the most likely candidates to join Phil Danault and Trevor Moore on LA’s second line.
Rasmus Kupari entering the lineup could allow Adrian Kempe to move back up to wing alongside Anze Kopitar, a spot he’s occupied for the better part of two seasons now.
Whatever the mix of 18 skaters ends up as is, the overall goal is clear — find a way to come home with two points and somehow salvage a very forgettable six-game road trip.
In other news…
Right in line with what I shared during last week's Mayor's Minutes on @SiriusXMNHL with Boomer… https://t.co/3uMMwtA1va
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 15, 2022
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Buffalo Sabres
Fiala – Kopitar – Kaliyev
Moore – Danault – JAD
Iafallo – Kempe – Vilardi
Grundstrom – Lizotte – Fagemo
Anderson – Doughty
Durzi / Bjornfot – Roy
Edler – Walker
Copley
Quick
Scratches: Kupari, Spence
ICYMI: Brandt Clarke is at the World Juniors with Team Canada
Injured Reserve: Lemieux (targeting mid-late December)
Additional Game Notes
Puck drop is set for 4:00pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports West.
In Boston’s last game played, they defeated the New York Islanders via a 4-3 shootout on Tuesday.
Former LA defenseman Derek Forbort had a shorthanded goal in that one:
Former UND d-man Derek Forbort scores short handed. @UNDmhockey #nhlbruins Nice shot. https://t.co/WdXSm6NmRA
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) December 14, 2022
Here’s a Bruins preview heading into tonight’s game vs. the Kings:
The Bruins' homestand continues on Thursday night as David Krejci returns to the lineup for a matchup against the Kings at @tdgarden.
B's reporters @erusso22 and @elaine_cav check in to preview the matchup with Los Angeles.#NHLBruins | @NewEnglandHonda pic.twitter.com/KmDERb3rvG
— x – Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 15, 2022
RELATED CONTENT:
NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Doughty, Copley, and New Moore Contract
7 Things You Need to Know About the USA-Canada Rivalry Series Coming to LA
Lineup image created by ALo Images
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