Back-to-back disappointing results in Games 4 and 5 have left the Kings with a must-win contest at home against the Oilers for Game 6. It’s been the topic of the series for LA so far, they have yet to play a full 60 minutes. Regardless, they will now need to find a way to grind out two straight wins if they want to move on to the second round of this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It’s no secret that LA has struggled with its lack of production from the 4th line and 3rd defensive pairing. Coach Todd McLellan often says that even when the bottom of the lineup isn’t scoring, he looks for them to have a positive impact on the game. That has not been the case in this series, McLellan has been forced to shorten his bench far too often for his liking. Hopefully, the potential return of Blake Lizotte for Game 6 will bring aid to the bottum of the lineup, as well as some stability in the faceoff circle.
With a fully healthy lineup for LA, look for them to throw everything they have at Edmonton to keep their season alive. Also, Joonas Korpisalo will be aiming to bounce back following being taken out of Game 5 after allowing four goals through the first 30 minutes of play. He started off the series in fine form and LA will definitely need his best effort if they are to force this series to a Game 7.
For your pregame listening pleasure…
NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Arvidsson, Gavrikov, and Kings v Oilers
Saturday’s pregame morning skate is expected to be largely optional. If any lineup changes can be gleaned from that session (or during pregame warm-ups), the below projection will be updated.
LA Kings PROJECTED Lineup vs. Edmonton Oilers
Arvidsson – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Iafallo
Fiala – Byfield – Vilardi *
Kupari – Lizotte – Grundstrom
* Byfield/Vilardi could rotate
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Durzi – Walker
Korpisalo
Copley
Likely scratches: Anderson-Dolan, Edler, Kaliyev, MacEwen
Black Aces: Andersson, Bjornfot, Helenius, Laferriere, Lee, Moverare, Petersen, Pinelli, Portillo, Spence
Additional players being added to LA Kings Black Aces group:
– Lias Andersson
– Samuel Helenius
– Andre Lee
– Jacob Moverare
– Jordan Spence
– Franky PinelliNotes:
– Brandt Clarke / Barrie just eliminated Monday. Likely added in a few days.
– Turcotte/Fagemo not likely added. https://t.co/wZTwQRcvQB— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 27, 2023
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:00 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 Dustin Brown 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
Here’s how the Oilers are expected to line up:
No surprise EDM running same lines:
Kane-McDavid-Draisaitl
Hyman-RNH-Bjugstad
Foegele-McLeod-Ryan
Kostin-Shore-YamamotoShore making it four lines in practice. Edm likely sticks with 11-7.
Nurse-Ceci
Ekholm-Bouchard
Kulak-Desharnais
Broberg— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) April 27, 2023
On This Day in Kings History
On April 29, 1993, Tomas Sandstrom scored two goals, and Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri combined for seven points in a series clinching 9-6 win versus Calgary. The Game 6 victory advanced the @LAKings to the Smythe Division Finals where they'd face the Canucks.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/dWKy2d5YNs
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) April 29, 2023
RELATED CONTENT:
Kings Of The Podcast Ep. 155: Latest LA v Edmonton Opinions, Plus Thoughts on Other Series
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