Kings Face Kraken Amid Doughty’s Uncertainty Ahead of Playoffs

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for a crucial match against the Seattle Kraken on Monday night, with just six games left in the regular season. Currently, the Kings cling to a tenuous four-point lead for home ice advantage as they fight for playoff positioning in the Pacific Division.

Despite having already secured a spot in the postseason, Kings coach Jim Hiller remains committed to maximizing his team’s performance ahead of the playoffs. “Every point counts, especially with the division race still in flux,” Hiller said. The team will take on the Kraken this evening at Crypto.com Arena, with the puck set to drop at 7:30 p.m. PT.

A focal point leading into the game is defenseman Drew Doughty, who is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained earlier this season. Doughty’s practice time has been limited, and he is not expected to be in the lineup against Seattle. In an update, Hiller labeled Doughty’s situation as precautionary. “He’ll be dealing with something the rest of the way,” Hiller explained. “It’s not a concern, but he won’t be at 100 percent this season.” Doughty sat out the last 7:46 of Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, raising further questions about his availability.

Forward Anze Kopitar expressed confidence in the team’s depth, noting, “We’re ready to step up. Every player here understands the stakes right now, and we’re focused on every game leading to the playoffs.” The Kings will have to adjust their defense accordingly if Doughty cannot play; Hiller hinted at a possible pairing of Mikey Anderson and Vladislav Gavrikov along the blue line.

In goal, Darcy Kuemper will start, with David Rittich likely to relieve him later this week. Hiller mentioned that ensuring consistent playing time for netminders is essential for maintaining sharp skills. The Kings will face a highly motivated Kraken team that is fresh off a 5-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks.

The Kings are currently 3-3-1 against the Kraken this season, and their past matchup saw the Kraken edge out a 4-2 victory in Seattle. The stakes are high tonight, with a potential playoff preview looming. The Kings, just five points behind the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights and with a game in hand, remain optimistic about their playoff prospects. Hiller noted, “Winning the division is still mathematically possible, and we’ll take it one game at a time. The focus tonight is on the Kraken and playing our style of hockey.”

As the Kings prepare for their contest on Monday night, fans can expect an exciting atmosphere, amplified by the popular ‘Puck for a Buck’ contest, where attendees can win an autographed puck for just a dollar. This game will bring intensity and strategy as both teams vie for valuable points as the playoffs approach.

Injuries also prevail on the lineup sheet, with the Kings’ Alex Turcotte skating in a non-contact jersey. His return could bolster the Kings’ offensive depth as the postseason draws near. For Seattle, the Kraken are poised to utilize a similar lineup that secured their recent win, currently boasting a strong roster led by forward Jared McCann, who has accumulated 58 points this season.

As the game approaches, updates regarding Doughty’s status will be closely monitored, with Kings fans eagerly anticipating the starting lineup and the team’s strategy against the Kraken.