The LA Kings are gearing up to host the Nashville Predators in a crucial match at Crypto.com Arena. This clash is billed as the most important game of the season to date, with both teams locked in a tight race for a Western Conference wild card spot.
Kings’ Lineup and Goaltending Change
The Kings held a full-team morning skate following a day off, in preparation for the game against Nashville. Anton Forsberg is expected to start in goal for the Kings. Forsberg has a lifetime record of 2-3-0 against Nashville, along with a .928 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average.
Based on the morning skate, the expected lineup is as follows:
- Panarin – Kopitar – Kempe
- Moore – Byfield – Laferriere
- Armia – Laughton – Wright
- Malott – Helenius – Ward
- Anderson – Doughty
- Edmundson – Clarke
- Dumoulin – Ceci
Mathieu Joseph and Jacob Moverare are also available should the Kings opt to make any changes. Alex Turcotte is currently dealing with an injury.
Predators’ Roster and Recent Form
Nashville is currently on a six-game road trip on the West Coast, holding a 2-1-0 record from the first three games. The Predators are coming off a 6-3 victory in San Jose. Against the Sharks, the visitors aligned as follows:
- Stamkos-O’Reilly-L’Heureux
- Forsberg-Wood-Marchessault
- Jost-Haula-Evangelista
- Schaefer-Svechkov-Kemell
- Skjei-Josi
- Hague-Perbix
- Wilsby-Barron
Head-to-Head Stats
Joel Armia has been a standout performer against Nashville this season, recording multiple points in both games. In their previous encounter in Los Angeles, Armia scored a goal and an assist, including the game-tying goal that forced overtime. Adrian Kempe leads the Kings with three goals versus Nashville this season, having scored twice in their previous game.
Ryan O’Reilly has been a key player for Nashville in this head-to-head, with four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in two games against Los Angeles. Steven Stamkos scored on Thursday in Los Angeles, achieving his 20th goal of the calendar year.
Wild Card Spot Up for Grabs
The Kings and Predators are currently tied with 81 points each. Both teams are coming off wins. The two teams are tied for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Tonight’s winner will take sole possession of that spot. There are five games remaining in the regular season.
Forward Scott Laughton agreed this is a good test for the team. He stated they are familiar with their opponent’s game having faced them two games prior.
With the stakes high and both teams evenly matched, tonight’s game promises to be a hard-fought battle for a crucial playoff position.