Armia Returns; Line Rushes, Defensive Pairs Debated, Fiala’s Recent Performance Analyzed
The Los Angeles Kings are set to face off against the Anaheim Ducks in a key regular-season matchup. This game kicks off a home-and-home series, starting tonight at the Crypto.com Arena, followed by another game tomorrow at the Honda Center. The Kings enter with a record of 19 wins, 16 losses, and 11 overtime losses, while the Ducks sport a record of 22 wins, 21 losses, and 3 overtime losses.
Game Details
- Date: January 16, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM Pacific
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Team Updates
Kings Lineup Insights
The Kings have experienced fluctuations in form, recently suffering from a poor stretch. Despite competitive performances, they have lost 11 out of their last 16 games. Coach Jim Hiller has confirmed that forward Joel Armia will return to the lineup, after participating in full-contact practice. He is expected to play alongside Warren Foegele and Quinton Byfield, enhancing the Kings’ forward depth.
The projected Kings lineup includes:
- Malott – Laferriere – Kempe
- Foegele – Byfield – Armia
- Fiala – Turcotte – Kuzmenko
- Lee – Helenius – Ward
- Anderson – Doughty
- Edmundson – Clarke
- Dumoulin – Ceci
- Goalies: Kuemper, Forsberg
Ducks Lineup Considerations
The Ducks recently ended a nine-game losing streak with a victory against the Dallas Stars. However, they are dealing with injuries that affect their key players, including Leo Carlsson, who will not participate due to a lower-body injury. Troy Terry and Cutter Gauthier are anticipated to return from their absences, adding strength to the lineup.
Key Players to Watch
- Joel Armia: Returning from injury, Armia is expected to enhance the Kings’ penalty-killing unit.
- Kevin Fiala: One of the Kings’ top performers recently, Fiala has tallied eight points in eight games this month, showcasing his offensive skills.
- Adrian Kempe: Displayed strong leadership despite the team’s struggles, emphasizing the need for urgency and intensity.
Defensive Pairing Analysis
There has been discussion about the Kings’ defensive pairings, particularly the established duo of Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty, which has found itself in a difficult stretch. Despite maintaining a solid expected goals share, actual goals against them have been concerning lately. Coach Hiller noted that while discussions about changing the pairings are ongoing, no immediate changes are planned.
With both teams eager for a win, stakes will be high in this matchup. The Kings are aiming to solidify their playoff position, and with the Ducks also vying for a better standing, expect a competitive game.
