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
Sabres Projected Lineup for Kings Game The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Los Angeles Kings in a matchup featuring their projected starting lineup. The Sabres, with a record of 43-20-6, will take the ice with Zach Benson, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch forming the top line. Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, and Jack Quinn will round out the second line, while Noah Ostlund, Josh Norris, and Josh Doan will play on the third line. Peyton Krebs, Sam Carrick, and Beck Malenstyn will form the fourth line, with Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson on the power play. Bowen Byram and Owen Power will serve as the first pair, followed by Logan Stanley and Zach Metsa. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start in goal. Several players are scratched for the game, including Luke Schenn, Michael Kesselring, and Josh Dunne. Injuries also impact the roster, with Tanner Pearson (lower body), Colten Ellis (undisclosed), Tyson Kozak (undisclosed), Jordan Greenway (middle body), Conor Timmins (broken leg), Jiri Kulich (blood clot), and Justin Danforth (lower body) listed as unavailable. The Sabres held an optional practice on Friday, and Luukkonen is the only expected lineup change following their 5-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The Kings' projected lineup includes Artemi Panarin, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe on the top line, with Trevor Moore, Quinton Byfield, and Alex Laferriere forming the second line. Alex Turcotte, Scott Laughton, and Joel Armia will play on the third line, while Jeff Malott, Samuel Helenius, and Taylor Ward will form the fourth line. Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty will be the first pair, with Joel Edmundson and Brandt Clarke on the power play. Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci will serve as the defense pair. Scratched players for the Kings include Mathieu Joseph, Jacob Moverare, and Jared Wright.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #zach_benson #alex_tuch
