Iafallo/Turcotte to play against NYR; Frk in COVID protocol

The LA Kings will be getting the Alex’s back for the game on Monday night against the New York Rangers, the team announced.

Per Todd McLellan, Martin Frk in COVID-19 protocol.
Lias Andersson injured yesterday in practice.
Iafallo and Turcotte in tonight v NYR.

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) January 10, 2022

However, Lias Andersson was injured in practice yesterday, and Martin Frk was placed in COVID protocol.

A lot to unpack here.

Both Alex Turcotte and Alex Iafallo exited COVID protocol yesterday and practiced with the team. Both went into protocol last Monday, but only Turcotte was activated on Sunday, so it’s good to see no lingering issues for Iafallo.

Turcotte will get a good NHL test tonight against the heavy-hitting Rangers. Since being called up, he’s played in just three games and is still looking for his first point. Iafallo has put together a strong start to the year, accumulating 10 goals and 20 points in 33 games played.

You have to feel bad for Martin Frk at this point. After playing so well in the AHL this year, he finally earned a well-deserved call-up and scored in his first game – a powerplay goal against the Nashville Predators. Now, with him in protocol and others returning to the lineup, his roster spot with the NHL club — in a contract year to boot — doesn’t look great. Unless other players are missing from the lineup, of course.

Andersson, 23, won’t get the opportunity to play against the team that took him with the seventh overall pick in 2017. However, the LA Kings and Rangers will meet again, in New York, at the end of January. So perhaps there will be an opportunity then.

As for tonight’s game, the Kings get their top-six forwards back. Turcotte is likely to resume his duty as the third-line center.

Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM PT.

UPDATE:

Cal Petersen is expected to start tonight, which would make it back-to-back starts for him.

Cal Petersen off first this morning, consider him tonight’s expected starter.

The Alexes – Iafallo & Turcotte – are both options to return tonight. Lias Andersson (INJ) and Martin Frk (Protocol) will be out.

— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) January 10, 2022

Full preview below:

Three things to watch in LA Kings vs New York Rangers on Monday