LA Kings Seek Third Straight Win to Secure Playoff Hopes The Los Angeles Kings are entering a pivotal matchup against the Vancouver Canucks on April 9, aiming to extend their current winning streak and solidify their position in the playoff race. The Kings, who have posted a 3-1-1 record during their seven-game homestand, are looking to secure their third consecutive victory, a feat they haven’t achieved since late January. A win tonight would mark their second two-game winning streak of the season and position them as strong contenders for a wild card berth. The Kings’ recent performance has been a mix of resilience and determination. After snapping a four-game losing streak against Nashville, they have since won two straight games, including a 2-1 overtime victory over the Predators. Forward Trevor Moore emphasized the team’s confidence, stating, “We’re staying aggressive, obviously we’re going to overtime a lot, but I think that we feel good about our game. We feel like we’re able to win every night and that’s always good.” Key players are expected to be in the lineup, with goaltender Anton Forsberg set to start. Forsberg, who made 19 saves in a previous matchup against the Canucks, is coming off strong performances in his last two starts, including a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The Kings’ forward line, featuring Quinton Byfield, Mikey Anderson, and Adrian Kempe, will be critical in the offensive push. Byfield, despite playing through an injury, is expected to take the ice, as interim head coach D.J. Smith confirmed. “Just maintenance. He could have [practiced] if he had to, but he’ll play [against Vancouver],” Smith said. Byfield, who has 11 points in his last 11 games, has been a driving force for the team despite not being at full strength.#los_angeles_kings #vancouver_canucks #d_j_smith #anton_forsberg #quinton_byfield
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
