To kick off a five-game homestand, the Kings are set to host the visiting New Jersey Devils for a matinee showdown on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.
Coach Jim Hiller and team are coming off a bittersweet road trip, as they were only able to pick up two points out of a possible six. However, it came to an uplifting conclusion when the Kings played perhaps their best game all season in a dominating win over the Western Conference leading Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.
It’s no secret that Hiller is missing key individuals from his lineup right now. The injury bug hit his team hard since taking over behind the bench, testing the depth and perseverance of his group. Partially in response to players missing with injuries, Hiller elected to go with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in Vancouver. Given their overall performance and the fact they put up five goals, there is a strong chance he could go back to that configuration today.
After going with Cam Talbot for back to back games in net, we’re projecting David Rittich to get the nod against New Jersey. Without a morning skate today, this is unconfirmed.
If Hiller opts to try Talbot for a third straight game, it would be because his All-Star goalie is looking much more like himself of late, putting up three wins in four tries since the team’s extended break. If Talbot can get back to where he was at the beginning of the season, that would help immensely with the Kings playoff push down the stretch.
Perhaps the biggest news heading into this game — and throughout the week leading to Friday’s Trade Deadline — Will be, how can Kings GM Rob Blake best navigate around the absence of Mikey Anderson, Adrian Kempe, and Viktor Arvidsson?
For a deep look at that situation, as well as when they are targeted to return (and the likelihood of Tyler Toffoli returning to the Kings soon), please read the article below.
Statistically Speaking
— In nine career games against LA, Toffoli has posted four goals and two assists. He talked about what it means to play the Kings and opened up about his career in SoCal here.
— This season with the Devils, Toffoli has put up 44 points (26G, 18A) in 59 games. Heading into today’s matchup, he has points in seven of his last eight games, including goals in two of his last three.
— if you’ve never heard the story of Toffoli’s NSFW nickname, see here.
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Devils
Turcotte – Kopitar – Byfield
Moore – Danault – Fiala
Laferriere – Dubois – JAD
Lizotte – Lewis
Moverare – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Englund – Spence
Clarke
Rittich (starter)
Talbot
Likely scratches: Kaliyev
Injured: Anderson, Kempe
LTIR: Arvidsson, Copley, Grundstrom
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 12:30 pm Pacific Time and will be televised by TNT.
For those live in attendance, the LA Kings Booster Club will offer their popular ‘Puck for a Buck’ contest — featuring Adrian Kempe 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
New Jersey is coming off a 4-3 defeat in on Friday.
Here’s how they’ll likely line up in LA:
Meier – Hischier – Bratt
Palat – Hughes – Toffoli
Lazar – Haula – Mercer
Nosek – Tierney – Holtz
Bahl – Marino
Hughes – Miller
Siegenthaler – Nemec
Daws
Note: New Jersey traded for former King Kurtis MacDermid the other day. He is expected to join them in LA, and could draw in.
In their last 10 games, the Devils are 5-5-0. As the away team, they’re 16-11-2 this season.
On This Day in Kings History
Happy 60th birthday to former @LAKings forward Bob Kudelski, who was born on March 3, 1964.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/rioBgn2MIv
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 3, 2024
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Game day graphic created by ALoImages
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Hiller flipping all the right switches.
Turcotte filling in huge hole on L1.
Byfield tutoring him, showing leadership, ownership and still building out all aspects of game. Diamond!
Fiala sniping with discipline also on his plate.
Talbot back in form , both him and Hiller making correct reads.
Everyone else playing their roles well.
I really dont want to give away anything, even Kaliyev or Spence , especiallly picks before the deadline.
Whatever we get back, if they are not dinged up on top of what we are currenty icing, will be a build on top.
How did McLlelan guide this team to so many losses, especially at home, with so many less injured players?
He was a bad hire from Blake apart from 21/22 guiding an undermanned team to 7 games against (don’t tickle me) Edmo with Drai Eye and McCryCry.
Vancouver pissed off after last outing against Kings, will be a huge test and potential round 1 opponent, makes it colossal this week.