Malott Joins, Armia to PP1, Forsberg in Net, Fiala’s Impact, Kopitar’s NHL 32
The Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for an important matchup against the Seattle Kraken. The game will take place on December 10, 2025, at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The Kings, currently holding a record of 14 wins, 8 losses, and 7 overtime losses, aim to build on their recent 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth.
Game Preview and Head-to-Head Matchup
This matchup sees the Kings attempting to finish their two-game road trip successfully. Last season, Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala were standout players against the Kraken, each racking up four points in their meetings. Fiala is particularly noteworthy, ranking third in NHL history with 16 assists against Seattle, yielding 11 assists in just 11 games as a King. Kempe, meanwhile, has tied the franchise record for goals against the Kraken, with a total of six.
Kings’ Roster Updates
Before this game, the Kings held a full-team morning skate. Goaltender Anton Forsberg is expected to start, marking his first appearance of the month. Forsberg has a strong track record against Seattle, boasting a record of 3-1-0, a .929 save percentage, and a 2.10 goals-against average.
Forward Jeff Malott will join the lineup in place of Andrei Kuzmenko. Malott, alongside Alex Turcotte and Corey Perry, forms a traditional fourth line known for its cohesive playstyle. This change is a strategic move, as Kuzmenko’s recent performance left much to be desired.
Seattle Kraken’s Struggles
On the other side, the Kraken face challenges, having lost six consecutive games, including their first two of a three-game homestand. Captain Jordan Eberle has had success against the Kings, averaging over a point per game, with 13 points in 12 contests, including four goals and nine assists. Eberle has been with the Kraken since its inception and is the second-highest goal scorer in the franchise’s history.
The Fiala Factor
Kevin Fiala is expected to play a crucial role in tonight’s game. Adrian Kempe referred to him as “unstoppable” when he is on fire. Fiala’s dynamic speed and playmaking ability can turn the tide in tightly contested matches like tonight’s, especially given both teams’ struggles to score goals.
Power Play Adjustments and Kopitar’s Achievement
The Kings are also making adjustments to their power play, promoting Joel Armia to the top unit in place of Kuzmenko. Armia has proven himself valuable in various play scenarios and is expected to enhance the team’s scoring potential. He aims to contribute by excelling in netfront presence and puck recovery.
In other news, Anze Kopitar recently reached a milestone by scoring against all 32 NHL teams, becoming the first player to do so in the Kings’ history. His efforts contribute significantly to the team, and he continues to be a key player to watch.
The puck drops tonight at 7 PM Pacific time. Fans can tune in via TNT or the LA Kings app for live updates. The Kings are hopeful to extend their winning streak in Seattle.
