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Playoff hockey is back in Los Angeles, as the Kings get set to host Connor McDavid and the Oilers for Game Three at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. Following a thrilling overtime victory, coach Jim Hiller will look to have his team keep the momentum and take control of the series.
His group will have their work cut out for them, though; Edmonton is expected to offer plenty of pushback after suffering a loss on home ice last time out. Just as the Kings were able to get revenge in Game Two, their longtime Pacific Division adversary will be ready to flip the script in Game Three.
Special teams have been anything but help for the Kings up to this point. Their power play has been ineffective and stagnant, while the penalty kill has had very little success when the Oilers have had the man advantage. Improvement in both areas should be key themes with the series now turning to home ice for the Kings, a building they’ve had tremendous success since Hiller took over behind the bench in mid-February.
Many cliches hold true over time; so if the ‘It’s not a series until the home team loses’ crowd is correct, these two teams are still in the process of feeling things out. LA was able to get out of Alberta with a two-game split, shifting home-ice advantage to the Kings. Math says, they don’t have to win another game on the road to win this series, yet that will only prove out correct if they take care of business at home. Fan participation can aid in that happening — something Quinton Byfield referenced in his postgame comments the other night. He admitted the building in Edmonton was loud, then was quick to say he expects Crypto to be louder.
Statistically Speaking
— Kopitar, fresh off his OT game-winner on Wednesday, will skate in his 95th postseason game tonight. That will give him sole possession of first place in franchise history, passing Luc Robitaille (94GP). Meanwhile, defenseman Drew Doughty will skate in his 93rd postseason game, passing Dustin Brown, Dave Taylor and Jonathan Quick (92GP) for the third-most in team history.
— With a pair of goals against the Oilers in Game Two, Adrian Kempe now has 10 career playoff goals against Edmonton and is tied with Bernie Nicholls for the second-most in franchise history. His 18 career playoff points against the Oilers also has him tied with Steve Duchesne for the fifth-most in franchise history.
— Quinton Byfield has put together a modest four game point streak in the playoffs (1G, 4A), dating back to April 25, 2023. This makes him the first skater selected in the 2020 NHL Draft to record a four-game point streak of any kind in the Playoffs. Overall, he has seven points in his past eight playoff games… making him worthy of more ice time.
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Oilers
Laferriere – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Fiala – Dubois – Byfield
Lewis – Lizotte – Grundstrom
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Englund – Spence
Talbot (starter)
Rittich
Possible scratches: Kaliyev, Moverare
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm Pacific Time 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 Viktor Arvidsson for this game. Just $1 could win you an autographed puck from an NHL star. Visit their table outside sections 317-318 on the upper concourse for more information.
LA Royal Army, another fan support group, has a booth outside section 303. They do watch parties and other fun activities. Stop by and check them out.
Across the Ice
Here is how Edmonton is expected to line up for tonight’s contest:
Henrique – McDavid – Hyman
RNH – Draisaitl – Foegele
Kane – McLeod – Perry
Holloway – Carrick – Janmark
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Ceci
Kulak – Desharnais
Skinner
Pickard
On This Day in Kings History
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