A new chapter in the LA Kings 2022-23 season begins on Thursday night as they host the visiting Montreal Canadiens. Not only does it begin a stretch of 10 out of 11 games at home, it will also feature the debut of their new defenseman, Vladimir Gavrikov.
Welcome to LA
Korpisalo 70 & Gavrikov 84 pic.twitter.com/ywqmAKjnjY
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) March 2, 2023
Given that LA’s newest blueliner has not played in several weeks (held out by Columbus for trade protection, not due to injury) and has only had one morning skate with the team, coach Todd Mclellan has opted to start him on the third pair. Clearly that will be changing in the days ahead.
Pheonix Copley will be in net tonight and newly acquired Joonas Korpisalo is expected to start Saturday vs the St. Louis Blues.
With the Trade Deadline tomorrow afternoon, the Kings are exploring one more deal, as explained here.
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Montreal Canadiens
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Fiala – Danault – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Lizotte – Vilardi
Grundstrom – Kupari – Kaliyev
Anderson – Doughty
Durzi – Roy
Gavrikov – Walker
Copley
Korpisalo
Scratches: Edler, JAD, Lemieux
Injured Reserve: Moore (Feb. 22)
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 Phil Danault 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 Canadiens beat the Sharks 3-1 in San Jose on Tuesday.
Here’s how they lined up for that game:
La formation de ce soir.
Tonight's lineup. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/BkeEUN9vyr
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 1, 2023
On This Day in Kings History
On March 2, 1974, Rogie Vachon set an @LAKings' franchise record for most consecutive starts by a goaltender when he appeared in his 34th straight game in a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/RVkjsbBvGG
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 2, 2023
On March 2, 1974, Rogie Vachon set an @LAKings' franchise record for most consecutive starts by a goaltender when he appeared in his 34th straight game in a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/RVkjsbBvGG
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 2, 2023
RELATED CONTENT:
UPDATED: LA Kings Acquire Gavrikov and Korpisalo in Trade with Columbus for Jonathan Quick
UPDATED: LA Kings Acquire Gavrikov and Korpisalo in Trade with Columbus for Jonathan Quick
Part 1: Rob Blake on Trading Quick to Columbus and Improving Kings Current Roster
Lineup image created by ALo Images
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