Here we go; the Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us. Los Angeles is on the road and preparing to take on Edmonton in a rematch of last year’s first round matchup. A big question for the Kings coming into tonight was the status of Kevin Fiala and Gabe Vilardi, who have both missed time with injuries recently. Unfortunately for LA, neither individuals were on the ice for morning skate, pointing to them not being in the lineup tonight for Game 1.
Todd McLellan has not ruled out Kevin Fiala or Gabriel Vilardi for the Edmonton series …with this caveat …
"they'll be ready when they're ready"— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) April 17, 2023
As coach Todd McLellan noted a few weeks ago — it’s not about who’s out of the lineup, it’s about who is in. That will need to be the mindset heading into tonight for those putting on a Kings sweater.
For Game 1, his most pressing questions will come on the fourth line and third defensive pairing. Who starts at RW4, Zack MacEwen or Jaret Anderson-Dolan? And who will be paired with Sean Durzi on the blueline, Sean Walker or Alex Edler?
For a full series preview, see here:
SERIES PREVIEW: LA Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers, 2023 Revenge Tour Begins Monday
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Edmonton Oilers
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Lizotte – Kaliyev
Grundstrom – Kupari – MacEwen
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Edler – Durzi
Korpisalo
Copley
Likely scratches: Anderson-Dolan, Fiala, Hrenak Laferriere, Vilardi, Walker
Original plan was to have Erik Portillo up with the Kings to serve as a Black Ace. For now, that role will go to David Hrenak, who is being recalled from ECHL Greenville.
The former @SCSUHuskies_MH standout put up a 22-13-5 record with a .903 SV in his year of pro hockey. pic.twitter.com/ADbyaBwhyo
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 16, 2023
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports.
Across the Ice
Edmonton went 14-0-1 to end the regular season, with 15 games being the 3rd-longest season-ending point streak in NHL History. They enter tonight having won nine straight contests.
Here’s how the Oilers are expected to line up:
Projected lineup for Game 1 Tonight:
RNH – McDavid – Hyman
Kane – Draisaitl – Yamamoto
Foegele – McLeod – Ryan
Janmark – Bjugstad – KostinNurse – Ceci
Ekholm – Bouchard
Kulak – DesharnaisSkinner#LetsGoOilers
— Oilers Daily (@oilersdailyy) April 17, 2023
Team who scored first in last 12 meetings between Oilers/Kings has won.
Nurse-Ceci matchup v. Kopitar-Kempe is one EDM wants.
EDM and LA have two best PP the past month. Which PK can succeed?
That and more in Game Noteshttps://t.co/dh0t18s2Z4— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) April 17, 2023
"If we get the chance we're going to smack him." @LAKings Drew Doughty on @cmcdavid97 after @EdmontonOilers hit on Mikey Anderson.
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) April 17, 2023
On This Day in Kings History
On April 17, 2006, @LAKings legend Luc Robitaille played in his last career NHL game in San Jose. Robitaille retired with 668 goals in 1,431 games, and was the highest scoring left wing in NHL history with 1,394 points (since surpassed by Alex Ovechkin).#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/Hlw2BksDkS
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) April 17, 2023
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