Kings Gear Up for Final Regular Season Game Against Flames

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Kings are set to face off against the Calgary Flames tonight at 6:30 PM in what marks their final home game of the regular season. With both teams looking to end the season on a high note, the stakes are elevated as the Kings look to secure at least a single win against Calgary after dropping both previous matchups this season.

This season, the Kings faced tough losses against the Flames, with two low-scoring games played in Alberta during November and January. Kings’ forwards Trevor Moore and defenseman Jacob Moverare netted the only goals against Calgary so far, while Anze Kopitar and Quinton Byfield each recorded an assist. With playoff implications at stake, the Kings are determined to turn the tables tonight.

In preparation for Game 82, the Kings held an optional morning skate today. Goaltender David Rittich, who has faced Calgary four times in his career, is expected to start tonight. During their last encounter in January, Rittich made 16 saves on 18 shots in a narrow 2-1 defeat. Tonight will be a crucial test as the Kings look to gain momentum heading into the playoffs.

The lineup underwent changes ahead of the game. Notable absences during Tuesday’s game included defensemen Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty, along with forwards Quinton Byfield and Anze Kopitar. Defenseman Caleb Jones was assigned to the AHL, while Taylor Ward has been recalled from the Ontario Reign and is set to make his NHL debut. “What’s great about it is he’s earned it,” said Kings Head Coach Jim Hiller regarding Ward’s promotion. “He’s made a real impression on us this year.”

Calgary enters tonight’s game on a high note, coming off a 5-4 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, although the team has already been eliminated from playoff contention. Flames forward Matt Coronato leads the team with three points against the Kings this season, while Jonathan Huberdeau boasts two goals in their previous meetings. Given Huberdeau’s strong history against the Kings, he will be a player to watch tonight.

In a positive development for the Kings, defenseman Joel Edmundson returns to the lineup after missing five games due to an upper-body injury. “I’m excited to play tonight and just get ready for Game 1,” he said, indicating confidence in his health and readiness following a quicker recuperation than anticipated.

The impending playoffs also bring uncertainty for Kings players, particularly Quinton Byfield, who is recovering from an upper-body injury. Byfield participated in this morning’s skate yet remains uncertain for tonight’s game. “Feeling a bit better,” he noted, but will have to check in with the medical staff before confirming his availability.

As the Kings aim to finalize their game strategy before the playoffs, the outcome of tonight’s matchup against the Flames is crucial. Although a win will not impact their playoff positioning, it may enhance team morale as they prepare for their first playoff game on Monday against an opponent yet to be determined.

The Kings and Flames will clash tonight at 6:30 PM, offering fans a final glimpse of the regular season before the real competition begins next week. With emotions high and motivations strong on both sides, fans can anticipate an exciting game at Crypto.com Arena.