LA Kings vs. Blues Game 2: Preview, One-Timers, Broadcast Info

After an embarrassing showing on Saturday night, the LA Kings will aim to pick up their first win of the road trip and their first win since Opening Night.

I wouldn’t say Monday’s game is a must-win, but the LA Kings 1-3-1 record marks their worst start since 2007-08 (h/t Alex Faust)
Drew Doughty‘s absence was apparent on Saturday. I’d be curious if Austin Strand gets a start in Game 2 over Olli Maatta, who did not play well in Game 1.
After serving his two-game suspension, Blues’ forward Pavel Buchnevich returns to the lineup on Monday.
Todd McLellan made it quite clear what needs to improve on the penalty kill: “Faceoffs, retrievals, battles, blocked shots, clears, seams, goaltending.”
Speaking of Todd, let’s see if he puts the lineups into the blender. Also, I’d like to see Vladimir Tkachev back into the mix after serving as an extra on Saturday.
With Doughty out, Matt Roy was given PP1 minutes. I would swap Roy out with Sean Walker.

Powerplay
LA Kings: 22.2% (15th)
Blues: 42.9% (2nd)

Penalty-Kill
LAK: 53.3% (31st)
Blues: 92.3% (1st)

Faceoffs
LAK: 47.9% (23rd)
Blues: 52.1% (8th)

Goals Per Game
LAK: 2.80 (19th)
Blues: 5.50 (1st)

Goals Against Per Game
LAK: 3.40 (24th)
Blues: 2.75 (13th)

Top Scorer
LAK: Anze Kopitar – 6 goals, 3 assists, 9 points
Blues: Jordan Kyrou – 2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points

Alex Iafallo on LA Kings loss to Blues, “We’re embarrassed right now”