Kings Aim for Victory Against Predators in Homestand Finale

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Kings will conclude a three-game homestand tonight as they face the Nashville Predators at Crypto.com Arena. This marks the final meeting between the two teams this season, with Los Angeles holding a record of 1-0-1 against Nashville thus far.

Forward Adrian Kempe has been instrumental for the Kings against the Predators, tallying one goal and one assist in their previous encounters. In addition to Kempe, forwards Phillip Danault and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov have each contributed two assists across two games played against Nashville.

As the Kings prepare for tonight’s game, they opted not to hold a morning skate prior to the earlier puck drop. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is expected to make his third consecutive start in goal. Kuemper has historically fared well against the Predators, carrying a lifetime record of 7-2-4, with a .919 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average, which includes a 16-save shutout he achieved back in November.

Head coach Jim Hiller confirmed that the Kings will likely maintain their current lineup for the fifth straight game. The anticipated starters are as follows: Kuzmenko, Kopitar, Kempe; Foegele, Danault, Moore; Fiala, Byfield, Laferriere; Jeannot, Helenius, Turcotte; on defense, Anderson, Doughty; Gavrikov, Spence; Edmundson, Clarke; with Kuemper and Rittich as goalies.

Four players remain available for the Kings if needed, including forwards Trevor Lewis and Akil Thomas, as well as defensemen Kyle Burroughs and Jacob Moverare.

On the other side, the Nashville Predators are coming off a narrow 2-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks after winning four consecutive games. According to Brooks Bratten of NashvillePredators.com, the Predators’ lineup against Anaheim featured key players like Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg.

Notably, Predators captain Roman Josi, who has recorded 16 assists in his last 16 games against the Kings, will not participate in tonight’s game due to injury.

The Kings’ storyline focuses on the emerging synergy between Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala. The duo has found success together, especially highlighted by Byfield’s crucial insurance goal last Thursday against the Washington Capitals. The Kings have benefitted greatly since this pairing was formed, with both players ranking among the team’s top scorers since February 1. Byfield has accumulated 16 points, closely followed by Fiala with 15.

Byfield reflects on Fiala’s gameplay, stating, “He’s a grown man now, he’s huge, he uses his body, he’s fast, he can shoot the puck, he can pass, he can see the ice.” Fiala reciprocates the praise, recognizing Byfield’s capability and potential. “I think Kev is one of the best players in the league when he’s going and he’s going right now,” Byfield said.

In addition, the Kings are optimistic that both their center depth and camaraderie on the ice will continue to fuel their offensive performance. Anze Kopitar is also noted for his scoring consistency, achieving a point-per-game average in March.

As for their game strategy against the Predators, the Kings aim to avoid any letdown after their strong performance against the Capitals. Coach Hiller acknowledged the challenges of maintaining focus and intensity in the face of potentially complacent play against an opponent who historically plays closely against them.

“Sometimes it’s losing your focus and maybe relaxing a little bit, thinking this might be a little easier, but this league is too good,” Hiller said. “As soon as you do that, you get off it, you’re a step behind and the other team starts giving it to you.”

As excitement builds for tonight’s matchup, the Kings are eager to keep their momentum going and aim for a solid performance at home. Lastly, fans are reminded of the upcoming LAKI Suite Night next weekend on March 22, with tickets still available for a special experience against Carolina.