Kings Reunite as Season Resumes with Utah Matchup

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Kings are set to return to action tonight against the Utah Hockey Club, marking their first game since February 9. This matchup kicks off a crucial three-game homestand for the Kings, who are looking to build on a strong start to the season.

In their previous encounter against Utah in October, the Kings secured a 3-2 victory, with defenseman Joel Edmundson leading the charge by scoring two goals. Both defenseman Brandt Clarke and forward Adrian Kempe also contributed significantly, each ending the game with multiple points. Edmundson stands out as one of the few NHL defensemen with a recorded history of scoring against Utah, alongside Anaheim’s Pavel Mintyukov.

The Kings utilized the week leading up to tonight’s game to amplify their preparations, holding an optional morning skate earlier today. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who missed the last two games before the break, is anticipated to return to the crease. He had a solid performance during the earlier game against Utah, stopping 24 of 26 shots.

Tonight’s projected lineup for the Kings includes forwards Alex Turcotte, Anze Kopitar, Adrian Kempe, and defensemen Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty, among others. Anderson is back after missing four games due to an upper-body injury, and coach Jim Hiller expressed enthusiasm for his return, noting that Anderson participated in full-contact practices this week.

Meanwhile, Utah also returns from a break, coming off a successful stretch where they claimed victory in three out of their last four matches. According to reports from Brogan Houston of the Deseret News, Utah’s expected lineup features a mix of established and new talent, including former Kings defenseman Sean Durzi, who has missed games this season due to injury.

“The break came at the right time for us,” Kopitar commented, reflecting on the team’s hard-fought road games prior to the pause. “It was refreshing to recharge and regroup at home. Now, we’re back to compete.”

As the Kings dive back into the action, they face a demanding schedule with 29 games remaining in just 55 days—an average of less than one game every other night. This stretch includes five sets of back-to-back games. However, 19 of those matches will take place at home, providing a much-needed advantage as the team pushes for playoff positioning.

Hiller anticipates that the well-rested Kings will channel their energy into tonight’s game, which he characterizes as having a refreshing atmosphere reminiscent of the season’s beginning. “We have good energy coming back, and I’m excited to see how it translates onto the ice,” Hiller said. “Execution might take time, but the energy should be high.”

Fans eagerly await the outcome as the Kings look to capitalize on their home edge against Utah tonight. The game signifies more than just another matchup; it represents a crucial moment in the season as the Kings aim to regain their footing and build momentum for the final stretch.