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Projected Lineups: LA Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets, Plus Notes on Vilardi, Gavrikov, and More

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Sometimes, the storylines just appear, like a genie escaping a bottle.

Back on Oct. 17, the Kings defeated the Jets in Winnipeg 5-1. It was the first matchup since a blockbuster trade between the two clubs. PL Dubois, the centerpiece of that deal, scored his first goal in a Los Angeles jersey and everything seemed to go according to plan. Except for Gabe Vilardi, who was the key player going back the other way in that summertime exchange. He was injured early in the contest and ended up missing more than a month of action.

It didn’t seem like that would become bulletin board material, at least not at the time.

Then, this happened:

With Vilardi referring to Blake Lizotte as somebody who pushed his feet out from behind and the play as ‘something that doesn’t need to happen,’ it certainly raised more than a few eyebrows. Given his recent comments about a former teammate, look for some added intensity and potential physicality tonight between these two Western Conference foes.

Not directly related to the Kings, Vilardi appeared to be throwing more shots towards LA with this recent quip too:

After only three shifts against his former club before the injury occurred just 2:23 into play a few months ago, Vilardi is now back playing with the Jets over their past six games. He recorded his first goal in a Winnipeg sweater on Sunday vs. the Ducks, skating at right wing on their top line, alongside Nikolaj Ehlers and Mark Scheifele.

Now, Vilardi has arrived back in LA for the rematch. Fitted with a knee brace and all, the Kings top selection at the 2017 NHL Draft — and their one-time top prospect — will skate for the opposition for the first time at Crypto.com Arena.

Kings coach Todd McLellan likely isn’t too worried about Vilardi, though. He has his own issues to contend with. Over the weekend, defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov injured his knee and will sit this one out (and probably a few more, as it is a week-to-week situation). Replacing the rugged defender for now will be Jacob Moverare, who is set to make his NHL season debut.

7 Things You Need to Know About Jacob Moverare Before His Kings Return

In the past, McLellan hasn’t been shy about using Moverare, giving him 16+ minutes of ice time when called upon.

Following Pheonix Copley getting the start in New York for the Kings road trip finale on Sunday, McLellan is expected to turn back to Cam Talbot for tonight. He was the winner in net during the aforementioned October victory over the Jets, stopping 26-of-27 shots that night.

Overall, the Kings return home following a 2-1-1 road trip. Two consecutive losses have LA needing to get back on track and in the win column. In addition to Moverare drawing in on the blueline, forward Arthur Kaliyev may be questionable for this game. He missed practice yesterday with flu-like symptoms yet did return to the ice for morning skate earlier today. For a team that has stayed healthy pretty much all year, we’re starting to see their depth tested now approaching the midpoint of the season.

One aspect that maybe hasn’t been talked about enough with this Kings team is how the summer roster adjustments have taken some pressure and heavy ice time away from the team’s top players. Anze Kopitar is averaging the least amount of ice time in his career at 19:14 per game. Among the factors contributing to this is that McLellan now has four balanced lines that can all contribute. He no longer needs to count on Kopitar’s line to play 24-27 minutes each night.

Kopitar also doesn’t need to go out for every key faceoff, thanks to centers Dubois and Phil Danault. Ditto on the penalty kill due to Trevor Lewis and Blake Lizotte. Equally intriguing, despite a dip in his ice time, Kopitar is still on pace to have a career year points-wise. For a guy who continues to age, he’s still playing like one of the best two-way centers in the league.

In his career, Kopitar has 34 points (14G, 20A) in 32 games vs. the Jets.

Stats Worth Knowing:

— Scoring first continues to be a theme. Winnipeg is 11-2-1 when notching the first goal. LA holds a 12-1-2 mark when they find the back of the net before their opponents.

— Both clubs are strong finishers, as well. When the Jets have a lead after 40 minutes, their record is 12-1-1. Meanwhile, the Kings are 13-0-1 when they’re up at second intermission.

— On the season, LA and Winnipeg each have 16 wins, and they each picked up eight wins in the month of November.

— One area of difference has been with goal distribution. LA has scored 29-29-33 goals over the three periods of regulation; a fairly even spread. The Jets build throughout their games. They’ve scored 21-30-33 goals.

— Beware of the second period, that’s when the two clubs give up the most goals. LA has allowed 17-21-18, while Winnipeg has allowed 17-29-24 over the three periods of play.

— Matt Roy continues to lead the team in blocked shots (50) and is third in hits with 45 (behind Carl Grundstrom with 52, and 57 for Andreas Englund).

— Drew Doughty leads the league in TOI/GP with 25:39 min.

— Kaliyev has the second-most power play goals(16) among 2019 NHL Draftees.

Kings Projected Lineup vs. Jets

Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Fiala – Danault – Moore
Laferriere – Dubois – Grundstrom
Kaliyev – Lizotte – Lewis

Anderson – Doughty
Moverare – Roy
Englund – Spence

Talbot (starter)
Copley

Likely scratches: Anderson-Dolan, Gavrikov

Injured Reserve: Arvidsson (LTIR)

Key Game Info

Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm Pacific Time 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 Quinton Byfield for this game. Just $1 could win you an autographed puck from an NHL star. Visit their table outside sections 317-318 on the upper concourse for more information.

Across the Ice

Winnipeg had their four-game win streak halted with a a 2-1 overtime loss in San Jose last night. Here’s how they lined up for that one:

The team has also confirmed that forward Kyle Connor will miss 6-8 weeks.

As for another former Kings player dealt to the Jets:

On This Day in Kings History

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Latest Updates on Turcotte Injury, Bjornfot Status, Plus Moverare and Fagemo Notes

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Lineup graphic via ALoImages

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