Kings Prepare for Crucial Match Against Utah Hockey Club Tonight

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for an important matchup against the Utah Hockey Club tonight at Delta Center, marking their only visit to Salt Lake City this season. The Kings have previously bested Utah in two encounters at home this year, holding a 2-0-0 record against the team.

Defenseman Joel Edmundson has been a standout player against Utah, having scored two goals and amassed four points in the first two meetings this season. Many observers note that he is one of the few NHL defensemen making significant contributions against Utah, trailing only Edmonton’s Matias Ekholm in overall points.

The Kings opted for an optional morning skate after a full practice yesterday, with only seven skaters and one goaltender taking the ice. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who holds a 2-0-0 record against Utah this season with a .907 save percentage and a 2.50 goals-against average, is expected to start tonight.

In their victory over Calgary last week, Utah managed to snag two consecutive wins, keeping them on the outskirts of the playoff picture, eight points behind Minnesota for the second Wild Card spot with just seven games left to play. The team will likely include former Kings defenseman Sean Durzi in their lineup, alongside backup goaltender Matthew Villalta.

“The focus is on Utah,” forward Quinton Byfield said. “We need to play a solid game and grab the win tonight.” Despite a crucial match against the Edmonton Oilers looming on Saturday, Kings players are concentrating on securing the two points tonight.

Head Coach Jim Hiller emphasized the importance of tonight’s game, saying, “If we don’t show up tonight, we put ourselves in a hole for Saturday. We need to make the most of this opportunity.”

While the Kings won both previous games against Utah, the team is aware of the challenges they face, particularly on the road where they have struggled this season. “No thought has gone through my head about Edmonton until this is over,” defenseman Drew Doughty reiterated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to tonight’s contest.

The Kings made strategic adjustments in their travel routine compared to their previous trip to Colorado, hoping to rectify their recent performance. “We’ll have legs tonight, and we’re in a good headspace,” Hiller added, as the team aims to regain their momentum.

For forward Trevor Lewis, tonight’s game carries special significance. Growing up in Utah, this marks his first NHL game in his home state, having previously played professionally with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies. “It’s cool to play in front of family and friends who don’t get to watch me in L.A.,” Lewis said.

The game promises to bring a lively atmosphere, reflective of the enthusiasm fans showed during preseason matches held in Utah. “Everyone has been excited for the preseason here, and I can’t wait to see the energy in the building tonight,” Lewis expressed.