#LAKings Projected Lineups LA Kings vs. St. Louis Blues; Lizotte Suspended, Potential Fiala
While the Kings have definitely been rolling of late, the numbers are a bit staggering. LA has racked up a 9-0-2 record over their last 11 games overall and has points in 12 straight games at home. They’ll put that latter streak on the line Sunday night vs. the St. Louis Blues. Also at risk is a rather impressive 10 game run of games where they’ve given up two or fewer goals. Coach Todd McLellan clearly has his club playing some stingy hockey the past few weeks.
And now comes a bit of a test.
Forward Blake Lizotte has been suspended one game for cross checking Winnipeg’s Josh Morrisey on Saturday afternoon. Flush with several healthy forwards he could insert into the lineup, McLellan’s larger issue is positioning. Lizotte has been playing center on the third line, and there isn’t an easy fix to fill that gap tonight. Options include Quinton Byfield, Trevor Moore, and Gabe Vilardi. None of those are likely ideal, though. Which is why the responsibility will most likely fall to Jaret Anderson-Dolan or Rasmus Kupari.
On top of solving that riddle, McLellan will also have to figure out how to best insert Kevin Fiala back into the lineup. He’s missed the past few games, yet appears ready to go vs. St. Louis.
Defensively speaking, Jordan Spence will likely draw back in — with Sean Walker sliding over to the left side, replacing a resting Alex Edler. Coincidently, today marks the one-year anniversary of Spence recording his first NHL goal (more on that below). Sean Durzi, who hasn’t played since early this month, is also an option for that spot.
Per the Kings goaltending rotation, look for Joonas Korpisalo to give way for Pheonix Copley between the pipes.
Finally, if you missed the news yesterday:
LA Kings Projected Guestimate Lineup vs. St. Louis Blues
Byfield Kopitar Kempe
Moore Danault Arvidsson
Fiala Kupari Vilardi
Iafallo JAD Grundstrom / Kaliyev
Anderson Doughty
Gavrikov Roy
Walker – Spence / Durzi
Copley
Korpisalo
Suspended: Lizotte
Scratches: Durzi, Edler, Kaliyev, MacEwen
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports.
For those live in attendance, the LA Kings Booster Club will offer their popular ‘Puck for a Buck’ contest — featuring Mikey Anderson for this game. Just $1 could win you an autographed puck from an NHL star. Visit their table near aisle M8 on the main concourse for more information.
Across the Ice
In their last game played, the Blues downed the Ducks 6-3 in Anaheim on Saturday night.
Here’s how St. Louis lined up for that one:
#stlblues projected lineup vs. Anaheim tonight:
Neighbours-Thomas-Kyrou?Saad-Buchnevich-Kapanen?Blais-Schenn-Vrana?Toropchenko-Walker-Pitlick
Leddy-Parayko?Scandella-Faulk?Krug-Bortuzzo
Binnington
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) March 25, 2023
On This Day in Kings HistoryNeighbours-Thomas-Kyrou?Saad-Buchnevich-Kapanen?Blais-Schenn-Vrana?Toropchenko-Walker-Pitlick
Leddy-Parayko?Scandella-Faulk?Krug-Bortuzzo
Binnington
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) March 25, 2023
On March 26, 2022, Jordan Spence became the first Australian-born player to score a goal in the NHL. Spence scored his first career goal against the Seattle Kraken, and was credited with the game-winning goal in a 4-2 win for the @LAKings.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/2WtjEM68kn
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 26, 2023
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 26, 2023
On March 26, 1992, @LAKings goaltender Kelly Hrudey survived an Al MacInnis slap shot that grazed his head. However, the pane of glass behind Hrudey did not survive.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/2ArEeoeIvu
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 26, 2023
RELATED CONTENT:— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) March 26, 2023
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https://mayorsmanor.com/2023/03/proj...-fiala-return/