Preview Tonight’s Lineup Alignment: Lee, Ward In; Kopitar, Moore Out
The Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for a significant matchup against the San Jose Sharks. This game takes place on January 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM Pacific at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. The Kings currently hold a record of 18 wins, 14 losses, and 9 overtime losses, while the Sharks stand at 20 wins, 18 losses, and 3 overtime losses.
Preview of Tonight’s Lineup Alignment: Lee, Ward In; Kopitar, Moore Out
As the Kings conclude a four-game homestand, they aim to extend their success at home. The team is facing challenges due to injuries, with several key players unable to participate, including Anze Kopitar, Joel Armia, and Trevor Moore.
Head-to-Head Performance
- Four Kings players have achieved a goal and an assist against the Sharks this season.
- Adrian Kempe has notably reached six goals and ten points in his last ten games against San Jose.
- Brandt Clarke has also made an impact, totaling six career points against the Sharks.
Kings’ Roster Insights
Following a strenuous victory against the Minnesota Wild, the Kings held a full-team morning skate at the Toyota Sports Performance Center. Goalie Darcy Kuemper is expected to start his fourth consecutive game, coming off a strong performance where he saved 33 out of 35 shots.
This is the anticipated lineup for the Kings:
| Forward Lines | Defense Pairs | Goalie |
|---|---|---|
| Ward – Laferriere – Kempe | Anderson – Doughty | Kuemper |
| Foegele – Byfield – Malott | Edmundson – Clarke | |
| Fiala – Turcotte – Kuzmenko | Dumoulin – Ceci | |
| Lee – Helenius – Moore | Moverare |
Sharks’ Update
The Sharks enter the game on a high, winning four of their last five contests, including a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. San Jose forward Macklin Celebrini is among the league leaders with 60 points this season, highlighting his importance to the team.
Lineup Changes and Expectations
Given the injuries, the Kings will adopt an 11-forward and 7-defensemen alignment for this game. This strategy allows for a more flexible lineup, essential given the current circumstances.
New additions to the lineup, Lee and Ward, will both make their season debuts tonight. They bring fresh energy, having performed well in previous games. Coach Jim Hiller expressed confidence in their readiness to step up.
Key Players to Watch
- Adrian Kempe: Expected to take on a larger role in Kopitar’s absence and is set to join the power play unit.
- Mikey Anderson: Sharing leadership responsibilities alongside Kempe indicates his rising influence in the locker room.
- Yaroslav Askarov: Likely to start in goal for the Sharks, bringing fresh talent to their roster.
This matchup against the Sharks presents the Kings with an opportunity to solidify their standing this season despite the setbacks. The puck drops at 7:30 PM, and fans can catch the action through various platforms, including the ESPN LA App.
