Thursday night brings the Detroit Red Wings to town, as they’ll square off against a Kings team that has been struggling of late. It’s more than just the way LA has been playing on home ice. Goal scoring has all but dried up — especially among the blueliners — and consistency is no longer part of the team’s overall play. Nonetheless, it remains a mystery why a team of this caliber struggles so mightily to win at home.
GM Rob Blake and coach Todd McLellan are looking for answers, and tonight they’ll see if lineup changes provide some sort of solution.
During the second half of Tuesday’s matchup against the Maple Leafs, McLellan finally shook up the forward lines in an attempt to find some positive momentum. The top-9 were all shuffled, while Blake Lizotte’s line stayed together. While it didn’t lead to any goals being scored, McLellan did like the focus and intensity of the group a little better after some guys were rotated around.
“It was time,” is the simplistic summary of coach Todd McLellan’s explanation of why these changes, and why now.
Following the aforementioned defeat by Toronto, he had this to say about the earlier look of things:
McLellan on tonight's line changes… pic.twitter.com/yEfnK9h8Cc
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) January 3, 2024
An intriguing storyline on offense is Adrian Kempe, who was moved to PL Dubois’ line. Perhaps giving the team’s newest center a 40-goal scorer may jump-start Dubois and get him on a bit of a roll. Kempe could use a jolt of his own too, as he has scored in only two of his past 10 games.
At practice yesterday, even more change was in the air.
Fresh on the heels of being named AHL Rookie of the Month (for December), defenseman Brandt Clarke was recalled on Wednesday. After destroying the OHL last season, the 20-year-old rearguard has posted 32 points (7G, 25A) in 30 games with the Ontario Reign this season. He was leading all American League defensemen in points and was tied for second among all skaters. When he eventually draws in, it will be Clarke’s first NHL game since Nov. 2022 — part of his initial 9-game run with the Kings.
It doesn’t appear as if he’ll get that opportunity tonight. His Kings season debut will have to wait until the team’s upcoming six-game road trip.
For good measure, though — and keeping with the theme of change — David Rittich is expected to get the start in goal.
Stats Worth Knowing:
— Toby Bjornfot was claimed off waivers by the Golden Knights. There’s more to that story at the link here.
— Entering play tonight, the Kings hold a six game winning streak against the Red Wings. Perhaps equally impressive, LA has scored four or more goals in their last five straight vs. Detroit.
— Building on the offensive story, Kevin Fiala has nine points (2G, 7A) in his past 7 games against the Red Wings. Three other Kings skaters have four-game points streaks going vs. Detroit: Phil Danault (5G, 2A), Adrian Kempe (3G, 2A), and Drew Doughty (1G, 3A).
— In addition to his four-game point streak, Doughty has six points (1G, 5A) in his last five games against the Red Wings at Crypto.com Arena, dating back to Mar. 15, 2018. He is also just two goals shy of becoming the second defenseman in Kings history to score 150 goals. Who is the only other Kings player to hit that mark? (answer below)
— Don’t forget about Patrick Kane. The veteran forward recently signed with Detroit and has already produced 13 points (6G, 7A) in 14 games.
— Overall, the Kings have four wins in their last 11 games.
Answer: Rob Blake (161)
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Red Wings
Byfield – Kopitar – Moore
Laferriere – Dubois – Kempe
Fiala – Danault – Grundstrom
JAD – Lizotte – Lewis
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Englund – Spence
Rittich (starter)
Talbot
Likely scratches: Clarke, Kaliyev
Injured Reserve: Arvidsson (LTIR), Copley (LTIR)
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm Pacific Time and will be televised by Bally Sports.
Tonight is Dodgers Night and Mookie Betts will drop the first puck.
https://twitter.com/Patrick_ONeal/status/1742736980176523574
For those live in attendance, the LA Kings Booster Club will offer their popular ‘Puck for a Buck’ contest — featuring Phil Danault 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.
LA Royal Army, another fan support group, has a booth outside section 303. They do watch parties and other fun activities. Stop by and check them out.
Across the Ice
Detroit is coming off a 5-3 win in San Jose on Tuesday.
Here’s how they lined up for that one:
Tonight in San Jose! pic.twitter.com/5ya9F5T1TR
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 3, 2024
https://twitter.com/DetroitRedWings/status/1742726267407945875
On This Day in Kings History
On January 4, 2000, Luc Robitaille celebrated his 1,000th career game by tying Frank Mahovlich for 20th all-time on the NHL's goal scoring list. Robitaille scored his 533rd career goal in a 2-2 tie between the @LAKings and the St. Louis Blues.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/m4uXq6iYJh
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) January 4, 2024
RELATED CONTENT:
Additional Kings Roster Move: Why Toby Bjornfot Was Placed on Waivers
Lineup graphic via ALoImages
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com