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Projected Lineups – LA Kings at Vegas Golden Knights; Pacific Division Title at Stake

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If the Kings have any hopes of attaining home ice for game 83, tonight’s game against the Golden Knights in Vegas is essentially a must-win matchup. They now sit three points behind Edmonton and trail Vegas by four points in the Pacific Division Standings.

LA is 2-3-0 in their last five games and are going through a stretch where it has been a struggle to find the back of the net. With just nine goals in these past five games, the offense has lightened up at a time when it really can’t afford to do so. Losing players like Kevin Fiala, Gabe Vilardi, and Mikey Anderson certainly hurts, and it diminishes the scoring depth that the Kings have enjoyed for so much of the season. From the outside looking in, it might be in the team’s best interest to let these injured players rest up before the postseason begins, instead of rushing them back and risking potential further injury. Fiala has attempted to return twice now, only to sit out again the following contest.

Special teams are an area in need of some improvement for LA, as well. They gave up two critical power play goals against Edmonton on Tuesday and failed to capitalize on any of their own chances at the other end. Head coach Todd McLellan was quick to shut down the personnel excuse after Tuesday’s contest; pointing out they are more worried about execution and focusing on who’s on the ice, instead of who’s off. The “next man up” mentality continues to be the message throughout the locker room in LA.

While Jonathan Quick won’t be starting for Vegas, goaltending is still part of the story for this game. Between the pipes for LA will be Joonas Korpisalo, who is looking to continue his quest to be the number one guy for McLellan come playoff time. It doesn’t seem like either Korpisalo or Copley is ready to give up that spot, they both continue to play exceptionally well down the stretch. With the defense largely playing shut down hockey — just 2 goals allowed or less in 14 of the last 16 — LA is going to be a tough draw for whoever they match up against in a couple of weeks.

Jaret Anderson-Dolan is an option at forward, should McLellan want a different look among his third or fourth line.

It’s defenseman Toby Bjornfot’s birthday today and we’re expecting him to once again be on the third pair. Jordan Spence will probably be a healthy scratch.

Before the game tonight, check this out to get ready:

NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Fiala, Clarke, and Potential Kings Playoff Matchups

LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Iafallo – Lizotte – Kaliyev
Grundstrom – Kupari – MacEwen

Gavrikov – Doughty
Durzi – Roy
Bjornfot – Walker

Korpisalo
Copley

Likely scratches: Anderson, Anderson-Dolan, Edler (upper body), Fiala (lower body), Spence, Vilardi

Key Game Info

Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports.

Across the Ice

In their last contest, the Golden Knights lost 3-2 in overtime to the Nashville Predators.

Here’s how Vegas lined up this morning:

On This Day in Kings History

RELATED CONTENT:

Kings Playoff Bound: 10 Tidbits on LA’s Post-Season History

Checking in with Cal: Petersen’s Thoughts on Playoffs, Positioning, and Preparation

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