Coming off a two-game sweep during a brief homestand, the Kings now find themselves in the Southeast for a four-game road trip through Tampa Bay, Florida, Carolina, and Washington.
In a season where LA has been awfully streaky — with extended winning and losing streaks at various times — they’ve currently won three out of their last four and look like they’re starting to find some consistency.
In net, Jonathan Quick managed the crease for all three of the aforementioned victories, while giving up just two goals combined in that stretch. He’s also expected to start tonight vs. the Lightning.
LA Kings roster news:
With the Edler injury last night, defenseman Christian Wolanin is being recalled for the road trip to Tampa Bay, etc.
Since rejoining the Kings organization a few weeks ago, @Cwolanin20 has played 3 games for AHL Ontario, recording an assist in each one. pic.twitter.com/GbdpTpJtju
— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 12, 2021
On defense, Christian Wolanin was called up before the team left SoCal and is on the trip. He’s not expected to play tonight. Instead, look for Olli Maatta to replace the injured Alex Edler.
Lias Anderson and Jaret Anderson-Dolan both sat out the Kings last game, either could draw in tonight. With an optional morning skate in Tampa Bay today, no indications were provided by Todd McLellan either way.
A few tidbits to pass along…
— Expecting JAD to play tomorrow, with Grundstrom and Moore at wing
— Lizotte will likely remain out until the start of the next road trip; can rejoin the team after ~10 days of protocol, will then need to ramp back up for pace of play
1/2
— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 9, 2021
Blake Lizotte recently exited quarantine, so he was allowed to travel for the trip. However, he’s still in league protocol (which allows players some time to ramp their conditioning back up), so he’s expected to be a few days away from rejoining the lineup. Keep in mind, the Kings are currently at the NHL maximum of 23 roster players. Thus, before Lizotte is activated, a corresponding roster move will need to be made — most likely involving JAD, Rasmus Kupari, or Arthur Kaliyev being sent to AHL Ontario — as they are all waivers exempt.
LA KINGS PROJECTED LINEUP vs. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING on 12/14
Kempe – Kopitar – Brown
Iafallo – Danault – Arvidsson
Athanasiou – Kupari – Kaliyev
Lemieux – Moore – Grundstrom
Other options: Andersson and Anderson-Dolan
Protocol: Lizotte
Anderson – Doughty
Maatta – Roy
Bjornfot – Durzi
Other options: Wolanin
Quick (starter)
Petersen
On the Lightning side of things:
Brayden Point returns to #GoBolts practice on Monday, what that means for his return to #TBLightning lineup, plus updates on Cirelli, Bogosian and Kucherov ahead of Tuesday's home game against Los Angeles https://t.co/Ea1FWjl6Zx pic.twitter.com/ASwEs1dab6
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) December 14, 2021
Jon Cooper says timeline on Kucherov hasn’t changed. I also asked if Brayden Point might be back before Christmas and he said “that would be an early Christmas present” #GoBolts #TBLightning
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) December 14, 2021
KINGS MILESTONES WITHIN REACH
Anze Kopitar – needs 46 points to pass Dave Taylor for third on the Kings all-time scoring list
Dustin Brown — 9 goals away from passing Bernie Nicholls for fifth place in Kings franchise history
Drew Doughty — 15 games away from playing in his 1,000th NHL regular season game
Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 pm PST tonight and the game will be on Bally Sports Network.
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