Through 15 games this season, Kings coach Todd McLellan hasn’t been faced with many difficult lineup decisions. Sure, he’s had to select a starting goaltender each night. However, outside of plugging an early hole caused by Arthur Kaliyev’s suspension, LA’s bench boss has largely been able to put the same names on his lineup card night in and night out.
Following PL Dubois crashing into the goal post on Thursday night, that consistency is potentially at risk heading into Saturday night’s game vs. the visiting St. Louis Blues.
However, optimism reigns supreme at the Kings practice facility this morning. After checking in with various sources, we’ve learned Dubois has not been ruled out for tonight. The 25-year-old forward was kept off the ice yesterday, so he didn’t get to test out his injured left leg. “Hopefully, he feels OK on the ice today,” noted one source. As we understand things, a decision will made after the team’s 10:30am morning skate.
If Dubois is good to go, then McLellan will still have his consistency. If the Kings have to go in a different direction, look for Jaret Anderson-Dolan to most likely slide into the 3C slot, joining Alex Laferriere and Kaliyev to round out the line in that scenario. Management probably wouldn’t call up another player either (i.e. Alex Turcotte or Sammy Fagemo) because with Jacob Moverare back up later today, the Kings will have 23 players on the roster — thus, there wouldn’t be room. Further, even if they did call up a forward instead of Moverare, that player coming up from AHL Ontario would be expected to serve as a healthy scratch anyway.
Again, though, the hope is Dubois feels comfortable enough to play.
Noon Update:
Projected Lineups: LA Kings vs. St. Louis Blues; Dubois Watch Continues
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