There’s just something about daytime hockey. You never know what you’re going to get; especially when one team hasn’t played since Monday.
Across the ice for this one, the Kings will by hosting a hungry Winnipeg Jets team who have matched LA’s 41 wins on the season and are battling for their own playoff positioning.
Although Sean Durzi and Kevin Fiala have returned to skating and practice, neither player is expected to rejoin the active lineup today. Forward Arthur Kaliyev is itching to get back into game action and would be a viable option, especially if Gabe Vilardi isn’t good to go after taking a rough spill against Calgary earlier this week.
On the blueline, Jordan Spence could easily slot in for Sean Walker. If that doesn’t happen today, look for him to play tomorrow vs. St. Louis; especially considering Alex Edler most likely won’t play in both games.
Assuming the goaltending rotation stays intact, Joonas Korpisalo would get the net this afternoon.
The Kings and Jets split the two previous games they played this season. Of late, coach Todd McLellan’s club has points in 11 straight games at home. Overall, they’ve gone 8-0-2 in their past 10 games. Should they earn at least one point on Saturday, it will mark the fourth time in franchise history they’ve recorded a point in 11 consecutive games.
LA will be wearing their 90s inspired alternate jerseys (and chrome helmets) for this contest. It’s hard not to think 90s Kings-Jets and not be reminded of Wayne Gretzky’s final game in the black and silver. Thankfully, this game isn’t in Winnipeg, though — as that’s been the site of many big-time Kings trades through the years — including Gretzky, Tyler Toffoli, Alec Martinez, and most recently Jonathan Quick (more on all that below).
And if you missed the news earlier this morning:
Kings Add Big, Left Shot Defenseman via Late Trade with Florida
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Winnipeg Jets
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Lizotte – Vilardi
Grundstrom – Kupari – MacEwen
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Edler – Walker
Korpisalo
Copley
Scratches: Anderson-Dolan, Durzi, Fiala, Kaliyev, Spence
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 1:00 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 Adrian Kempe 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 Jets downed the Ducks 3-2 in Anaheim on Thursday night.
Here’s how Winnipeg lined up for that one:
Jets fly together ✈️
Here are today's lines and starting lineup!@BodogCA | #ad pic.twitter.com/sqZeDGSYd3
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 24, 2023
On This Day in Kings History
Happy birthday to former @LAKings draft pick Tom Glavine, who was born on March 25, 1966. Glavine was selected 69th overall by the #LAKings at the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/3hnnr55OrZ
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 25, 2023
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KOTP Flashback: Roman Vopat on Being Traded for Wayne Gretzky
Lineup image created by ALo Images
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