The Los Angeles Kings (27-17-6) will be facing off against the Montreal Canadiens (24-23-5) in a regular-season game on Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 PM Pacific time at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. Fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network for video coverage, ESPN LA App for audio, and follow updates on Twitter via @dooleylak and @lakings.
In their previous matchup earlier this season, the Kings emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over the Canadiens on the road. Forward Adrian Kempe led the charge with a goal and an assist, while defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov also contributed with two assists. Kempe has been a point-per-game player against Montreal throughout his NHL career.
The Kings held a full-team practice ahead of the game and opted for a morning skate in El Segundo on game day. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is expected to start against Montreal, bringing a lifetime record of 5-3-1 against the Canadiens. The team’s lineup in practice featured notable players like Kopitar, Kempe, and Doughty.
On the other side, the Canadiens, who have won 13 of their last 17 games, are fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Forward Nick Suzuki and defenseman Lane Hutson have been key players for Montreal recently.
One of the significant storylines of the game revolves around the performance of Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, who recently returned to the lineup after a lengthy absence due to injury. Doughty acknowledged the need to improve defensively but expressed confidence in his overall game.
The game will also feature the partnership between Doughty and Gavrikov on the defensive end, with both players working to establish a strong connection on the ice. Additionally, there is anticipation for the return of the 11/7 lineup for the Kings in the near future.
Fans can expect a broadcast duo of Josh Schaefer and Jared Shafran on the radio broadcast for the game. The Kings and Canadiens will face off in the midst of a three-game homestand for the Kings, adding to the excitement of the matchup.
With a packed schedule and crucial points at stake, both teams will be aiming for a strong performance on the ice. The game promises to be a thrilling battle between two competitive teams as they look to secure a win before heading into the break.