Riding high at 6-0-1 in their past seven games, the Kings head into Thursday’s game in a very winnable situation. Columbus arrives in town having gone 3-4-3 of late and with 49 points on the season, they sit dead last in the NHL standings.
With Kevin Fiala and Sean Durzi both still sidelined (listed as day-to-day), coach Todd McLellan’s lineup is expected to remain fairly static from the team’s last game. Perhaps there could be a change in the fourth line, giving Zack MacEwen and/or Jaret Anderson-Dolan an opportunity to slide back into the lineup.
Considering Jordan Spence remains up with the Kings, we’re again assuming he has at least a 50% shot at replacing Sean Walker on the third defensive pair. Former Columbus blueliner Vladimir Gavrikov will once again anchor the second pair, and he’s coming off a two assist performance earlier this week.
In goal — and in somewhat of a surprising declaration — McLellan has said he won’t alter his 50/50 goalie rotation yet. Thus, Pheonix Copley will start in net over former Blue Jacket goalie Joonas Korpisalo.
A great primer for tonight’s game (and beyond) can be found here:
NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Spence, Gavrikov, and Kings Future Defense
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Lizotte – Vilardi
Grundstrom – Kupari – Kaliyev
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Edler – Walker
Copley
Korpisalo
Scratches: Anderson-Dolan, Durzi, Fiala, MacEwen, Spence
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports.
For those live in attendance, the LA Kings Booster Club will offer their popular ‘Puck for a Buck’ contest — featuring Gabe Vilardi for this game. Just $1 could win you an autographed puck from an NHL star. Visit their table near aisle M8 on the main concourse for more information.
Across the Ice
In their last game played, the Blue Jackets defeated the Sharks in overtime on Tuesday.
Here’s how Columbus lined recently:
#CBJ new-look lines/pairs:
Gaudreau – Jenner – Bemstrom
Laine – Roslovic – Marchenko
Robinson – Sillinger – Johnson
Foudy – Pedersen – OlivierBlankenburg – Gudbranson
Berni – Peeke
Bayreuther – Boqvist— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 15, 2023
On This Day in Kings History
On March 16, 2012, Jim Fox predicted that the @LAKings were closer to winning the Stanley Cup over the Anaheim Ducks in an intermission segment with Brian Hayward. The #LAKings went on to defeat the Ducks, 4-2, at Honda Center.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/BmUAiM3QIX
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 16, 2023
On March 16, 2012, Jim Fox predicted that the @LAKings were closer to winning the Stanley Cup over the Anaheim Ducks in an intermission segment with Brian Hayward. The #LAKings went on to defeat the Ducks, 4-2, at Honda Center.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/BmUAiM3QIX
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 16, 2023
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UPDATED: Kings Acquire Zack MacEwen From Flyers, Make Multiple Trades on Friday
Part 1: Rob Blake on Trading Quick to Columbus and Improving Kings Current Roster
Lineup image created by ALo Images
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