Jason Wernegreen The LA Kings held an optional morning skate this morning, ahead of their matchup against the New York Rangers.
Who Was There:
The Kings held a full team skate yesterday morning, outside of forward, Blake Lizotte who was placed on injured reserve. The Kings offense has gone dry as of late, which has led to head coach Todd McLellan blending some forward lines. The forward lines that the LA Kings ran at practice yesterday are as follows:
Dubois – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Fiala
Laferriere – Byfield – Anderson-Dolan
Grundstrom – Lewis – Kaliyev – Fagemo
It appears that…
80-11-9
12-24-22
28-55-78
91-61-34-68Defense rotating through pairs
— ALL THE KINGS MEN | LA KINGS PODCAST (@KingsMenPodcast) January 19, 2024
The biggest change in the lines is the swap of forwards, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Quinton Byfield. LA Kings head coach, Todd McLellan stated that not only does he believe Dubois can thrive moving to the top line on the wing, he also believes Byfield can drive his own line from the center position. If the LA Kings decide to make any other changes to their lineup, defenseman Brandt Clarke, and forward Samuel Fagemo are available. Goaltender David Rittich was first off the ice today, slating him as tonight’s projected starter between the pipes. “Big Save Dave” brings a 2-0 record, a .971 save percentage, and a 1.oo goals-against average in his career against the Rangers.
David Rittich off first from today's morning skate, consider him tonight's projected starting goalie against the Rangers.
— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) January 20, 2024
Last Meeting:
The last time the LA Kings met the New York Rangers was over two months ago on December 10, 2023. The Kings fell to the Rangers by a score of 4-1. Legendary Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick got the win for New York, saving 25 of 26 shots. Kings goaltender Pheonix Copley saved 23 shots out of 27 in a losing effort. The lone Kings goal came on the powerplay from forward Phillip Danault, with the assists on the play going to Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar.
Return of a King:
The Kings’ legendary goaltender Jonathan Quick will make his second-ever start against the Kings tonight. His first came in the previous matchup in Madison Square Garden just two months ago. Quick has never faced the LA Kings in Los Angeles and he is slated to tonight, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Jonathan Quick was off first. He will start for the Rangers tonight vs. LA Kings.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) January 20, 2024
Quick has seen a resurgence this season playing for his childhood favorite team. He had been underwhelming last season, leading to the Kings trading him for Vladislav Gavrikov, and Joonas Korpisalo. Expect the Kings to have a tribute to Quick on the video board sometime early in the first period tonight.
The Kings continue their four-game homestand as they take on the Rangers tonight at 7:30 PST. Big night for the Kings tonight, Quick’s return to Los Angeles, new line combinations, and another chance to right the ship. Get ready Kings fans, Go Kings Go!
Featured image credit: AP News