Kopitar Returns as Kings Face Trip Finale; Armia Centers, Clarke Contributes
The Los Angeles Kings are set to face the Philadelphia Flyers in a pivotal matchup today at Wells Fargo Arena. This game marks the end of a five-game road trip for the Kings, who currently hold a record of 22 wins, 17 losses, and 13 overtime losses. The Flyers, on the other hand, have recorded 24 wins, 20 losses, and 9 overtime losses this season.
Kopitar Returns to the Kings’ Lineup
In a significant development, Anze Kopitar returns to the Kings today after a 12-game absence due to a lower-body injury. His activation from injured reserve was accompanied by a roster move involving Alex Turcotte, also sidelined with an injury. Kopitar’s leadership is expected to bolster the Kings’ performance as they seek vital points.
Current Team Performances
- The Kings enter the match with a record of 2-1-0 on this road trip.
- Los Angeles is currently two points shy of a playoff spot, with games in hand.
- The Flyers are on a challenging stretch, having lost 10 of their last 12 games.
Both teams sit at 57 points in the standings, but the Flyers have two additional wins, putting them ahead in the tiebreaker scenario. The Kings will be looking for an opportunity to capitalize on the Flyers’ recent struggles.
Kings’ Key Players to Watch
- Anze Kopitar: A vital return to strengthen the Kings’ center position.
- Joel Armia: Adapting to a center role and contributing during Kopitar’s absence.
- Brandt Clarke: Achieved his 20th assist of the season, joining a select group of young defensemen.
The Kings previously dominated the Flyers in their last meeting, securing a 7-3 victory. Players like Kevin Fiala and Darcy Kuemper, who performed admirably against Philadelphia last season, will be crucial again. Kuemper’s historical save percentage against the Flyers makes him a potential key player, alongside Anton Forsberg, who also has strong numbers against them.
Flyers’ Situation
The Flyers are in a difficult period, experiencing a three-game losing streak. They have not found consistency, which has hindered their playoff aspirations. Star forward Trevor Zegras, acquired from the Ducks, leads the team with 19 goals this season. However, their chances of success today may be impacted by the absence of injured forward Tyson Foerster.
Upcoming Challenges
This matchup serves as a crucial point for both teams. The Kings want to secure their third win of this trip before heading to their next game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Meanwhile, the Flyers must address their recent form to regain momentum in the Eastern Conference standings.
As the final game approaches, both teams are focused on securing two important points. The Kings, having shown promise on their road trip, aim to maintain their competitive edge against the Flyers. Fans can catch the action live through various channels including the FanDuel Sports Network and the ESPN LA app.
