Kings Host Hot Buffalo Sabres in Closing Game of Season Series The Los Angeles Kings will conclude their short homestand today as they take on the NHL’s hottest team, the Buffalo Sabres, at Crypto.com Arena. The matchup marks the final game of the season series between the two clubs, with the Kings looking to secure a win against a Sabres squad that has won 11 of its last 12 games. Forward Adrian Kempe, who is listed as a game-time decision, will be a key player for the Kings. Kempe scored the only goal in their previous meeting with the Sabres in January, a 4-1 loss to Buffalo. Over his last nine games against the Sabres, Kempe has recorded eight points (3 goals, 5 assists), leading the Kings in scoring since the start of the 2021-22 season. However, his availability for today’s game remains uncertain. Interim Head Coach D.J. Smith expressed cautious optimism about Kempe’s ability to play, though the Kings have not confirmed a starting goaltender. Both Anton Forsberg and Darcy Kuemper are expected to start one of the two games this weekend, with Forsberg having a .917 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average in 11 career appearances against the Sabres. Kuemper, meanwhile, has a 5-3-1 record in 11 games against Buffalo. The Kings’ lineup for their previous game against Philadelphia included notable line combinations, with Kempe on the top line. If Kempe is unable to play, forward Joel Armia is set to return to the lineup after missing the last 10 games with a back injury. Armia’s return could influence line adjustments, as his placement on the ice may depend on Kempe’s status. Smith hinted that Armia might slot into the penalty kill, where he is one of the NHL’s top shorthanded forwards, though his 5-on-5 role remains unclear.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #alex_tuch #adrian_kempe #anton_forsberg
