In a familiar matchup this Friday, the Los Angeles Kings are once again set to face off against the Arizona Coyotes, hoping to maintain their recent dominance. Following a convincing 6-3 victory on Tuesday, the Kings have their sights set on an even better performance this time around.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kings are seeking a stronger showing after starting slow in their previous matchup against the Coyotes.
- The top line of Quinton Byfield, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe is in focus, as they look to improve their 5-on-5 production.
- The choice of the starting goalie will be pivotal, potentially shedding light on who the Kings see as their true number one.
Despite their three-goal win last time, the Kings are not taking this game lightly. They acknowledge that they started slowly and struggled to maintain momentum at times during Tuesday’s game. However, this is to be expected when facing a young and talented Coyotes team.
One area of concern for the Kings is the 5-on-5 production from their top line, consisting of Byfield, Kopitar, and Kempe. This trio has only managed to score twice at even strength while conceding two goals in the process. Nevertheless, underlying statistics suggest that their fortunes could change soon, particularly when looking at expected goals.
The Kings are also eagerly awaiting the moment when Kempe finds his stride and Byfield rediscovers his scoring touch. If either of these developments occurs, the Kings could find themselves in an even stronger position in the league standings.
The decision regarding the starting goaltender is another intriguing aspect of this game. With a back-to-back series ahead, Todd McLellan has a choice to make. Will he opt to give Pheonix Copley his second consecutive start, reserving Cam Talbot for the matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights? Alternatively, will McLellan stick to the regular goalie rotation and insert Talbot back into the lineup, giving Copley the game on Saturday?
This decision could shed light on who the Kings view as their current number one goalie. If Copley gets the nod for both games, it might indicate that Talbot is the preferred option at this point. On the other hand, if the rotation continues, it would support the team’s stance on solving the goaltending puzzle by committee.
With no significant lineup changes expected for the Kings on Friday, fans can look forward to an exciting game featuring the same formidable lineup. On the other side of the ice, the Arizona Coyotes will also be eager to make a statement and turn the tide in their favor.
As the puck drops, all eyes will be on the Kings, both on and off the ice, as they aim to continue their winning ways and maintain their dominance over the Arizona Coyotes.
