Kings Face Off Against Avalanche with Playoff Implications on the Line

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Kings are set to host the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, marking their penultimate home game before the 2024-25 NHL playoffs. As the regular season nears conclusion, the Kings face crucial decisions regarding their goaltending strategy amid a playoff race.

Coach Jim Hiller has several factors to consider when deciding who will start in goal. The Kings hold a poor record of 3-7-0 against Colorado in their last ten encounters. With the Kings playing four games over the next six days, including back-to-back contests starting Monday against the Edmonton Oilers, Hiller must weigh the importance of keeping goalie Darcy Kuemper well-rested versus securing a win against a depleted Avalanche team.

Colorado is expected to sit several star players, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, which raises the question of whether Hiller might opt for Kuemper to seize a “easier” win and edge closer to securing home ice advantage.

“It’s game by game, day by day,” Hiller stated after Thursday’s victory over Anaheim. “It depends how people are feeling, or how Kuemps is feeling I guess, more than anything.”

The Kings currently sit in a tight playoff race, with home ice still in contention. Maintaining player health is paramount as they prepare for a fourth consecutive postseason series against the Oilers, a matchup that can tilt the balance of their playoff journey considerably. Key contributors Drew Doughty and Joel Edmundson are also uncertain for today’s match after missing back-to-back games.

In addition to goaltending woes, the Kings’ offense is in the spotlight. Forward Andrei Kuzmenko has thrived recently, scoring ten points in his last six games and showing chemistry alongside star Anze Kopitar. Meanwhile, defenseman Mikey Anderson reached a career-high with 22 points this season with his performance in Thursday’s game.

On the Avalanche side, they are similarly facing lineup challenges. Traditionally a competitive force, they will rely on a host of recent call-ups, including Wyatt Aamodt, to fill gaps left by injured stars. Despite their current standings, the Avalanche aim to rebound from a 4-1 loss to Vancouver and refocus their efforts as they gear up for potential playoff positioning.

Puck drop is scheduled for 2:08 p.m. Mountain Time, and fans can view the game on FanDuel Sports Network or听through the ESPN LA radio app.