Ryan Sikes 
The LA Kings officially kick off their seven-game homestand on Wednesday, with the Washington Capitals up first.
Back from a successful roadtrip, the LA Kings will look to get back into the win column after seeing their seven-game winning streak come to an end in Winnipeg. That said, they have an eight-game point streak still alive.
The big news overnight was that STAPLES Center will be getting re-branded on Christmas, changing the name of the historic venue to Crypto.com Arena. The naming rights will be part of a 20-year partnership, with Crypto.com paying $700 million over the 20-year cycle to rename the building.
We're extremely proud to announce that Staples Center, Los Angeles' most iconic arena is getting a new name:
https://t.co/vCNztATkNg Arena
As part of this 20 year partnership, we're also excited to welcome the @Lakers & @LAKings as our newest partners! pic.twitter.com/KCfYKySDRt
— Crypto.com (@cryptocom) November 17, 2021
Here’s part of the official statement from STAPLES Center:
Today Crypto.com, the world’s fastest-growing cryptocurrency platform, and AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, have launched a historic, 20-year naming rights agreement that will rename the AEG-owned and operated STAPLES Center, one of the most iconic and globally recognized sports and entertainment arenas in the world. Effective December 25, the multi-purpose arena, which hosts hundreds of annual marquee events and serves as the official home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers, the NHL’s LA Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, will be known as Crypto.com Arena. This agreement also makes Crypto.com an official cryptocurrency platform partner of the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Kings.
To kick off the partnership, AEG and Crypto.com will unveil the new logo and other branding assets including internal arena signage of the newly named Crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day, when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets. All of the venue’s external signage will be replaced by June 2022.
One-Timers
- The Kings will debut their ’90s Era Heritage jersey on Wednesday night, looking somewhat similar to last year’s setup. But they will feature chrome helmets, which should look great!
- Viktor Arvidsson was back with the team and skating on Tuesday, setting the stage for him to potentially return against the Capitals.
- The Capitals come into this one, having lost in Anaheim on Tuesday night.
- Alex Ovechkin, despite being 36 years of age, is still going strong. Last week, he netted his 742nd career goal to pass Brett Hill for fourth on the NHL all-time goals scored list.
Alex Ovechkin takes over 4th all-time in goals. Right from his office. 🚨🤩 pic.twitter.com/FlcEhKDAFM
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 13, 2021
- Assuming he doesn’t break all kinds of records on Wednesday night, he’ll remain fourth behind Jaromir Jagr.
Most goals NHL history.
1. Wayne Gretzky 894
2. Gordie Howe 801
3. Jaromir Jagr 766
4. Alex Ovechkin 742
5. Brett Hull 741— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) November 13, 2021
- Aside from Ovechkin, the Capitals have a prolific goal scorer in Evgeny Kuznetsov off to a red-hot start, scoring six goals with 14 assists in 16 games.
Puck Drop and Broadcast Info
- Wednesday, November 17 at 7:30 pm PT
- TV: Bally Sports West, NBCSWA, ESPN+
Tale of the Tape
Powerplay
LAK: 18.2% (18th)
WSH: 17.6% (19th)
Penalty Kill
LAK: 74.4% (26th)
WSH: 83.3% (11th)
Faceoffs
LAK: 53.0% (7th)
WSH: 46.3% (30th)
Goals Per Game
LAK: 2.73 (22nd)
WSH: 3.50 (5th)
Goals Against Per Game
LAK: 2.47 (5th)
WSH: 2.44 (4th)
Top Scorer
LAK: Anze Kopitar – 8 goals, 8 assists, 16 points
WSH: Alex Ovechkin – 12 goals, 14 assists, 26 points
LA Kings: STAPLES Center to Change Its Name to Crypto.com Arena