Los Angeles Kings at the Bell Centre to Face Original Six Royalty Montreal Canadiens
Friday night the Los Angeles Kings travel to the Bell Centre to face Original Six royalty, the Montreal Canadiens. Puck-drop is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PST (7:30 p.m. EST).
Last night the Kings snapped a two-game losing streak when they defeated the Ottawa Senators 5-3. That puts the Kings record at 1-1 after two games of this five-game road trip. After being held scoreless in Buffalo, the Kings put up 5 in Ottawa. L.A.’s road record has improved, barely, to 4-5-4, contributing to their overall of 15-9-5.
The Canadiens last faced the Vancouver Canucks at home, winning 3-1. Montreal is now third in the Atlantic Division with 38 points, and tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens have a record of 18-10-2, and an intimidating home record of 10-3-1.
There was no morning skate because the Kings played a game then traveled to town lass than 24 hours ago. The lineup is expected to be the same as the game in Ottawa.
One minor, or major change that happened late in the game last night could carry over . . . Anze Kopitar demoted!
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Puck Prose
Forwards:
Marian Gaborik – Mike Richards – Justin Williams
Tanner Pearson – Jeff Carter – Tyler Toffoli
Dwight King – Jarret Stoll – Dustin Brown
Kyle Clifford – Anze Kopitar – Trevor Lewis
Defensemen:
Jake Muzzin – Drew Doughty
Alec Martinez – Robyn Regehr
Brayden McNabb – Matt Greene
Goaltenders:
Martin Jones
Jonathan Quick
Martin Jones could get the nod to start in goal, because Quick played last night. The Kings play again on Sunday, in Toronto, where it’s likely Quick will get the start.
Either way the goaltending for the Kings will be solid. In six starts this season, Jones actually has better numbers than Quick. Jones goals against average is a 1.42, while Quick’s is 2.13. Jones’ save percentage is an impressive .947, Quick’s is tremendous as well, at .931.
During last night’s game in Ottawa, in the third period, Anze Kopitar was demoted to the fourth line, while Mike Richards skated between Gaborik and Williams. There is a possibility that change could carry over into tonight’s game in Montreal. Kopitar has been unimpressive in the offensive zone as of late.
Kopitar is currently 7th on in Kings in points, with 13 in 26 games, including 6 goals. It’s a far cry from the near point-per-game player that Kopitar has been. In the last two seasons Kopitar led the Kings in scoring: in 2012-2013 Kopitar had 10 goals and 42 points in 47 games; in 2013-2014 Kopitar scored 29 goals and 70 points in 82 games.
In all reality, Anze Kopitar will more than likely start between Gaborik and Williams on the first line. Head coach Darryl Sutter used last night’s move in Ottawa to send a message to the offensively struggling centermen, and his teammates.
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A Winning Habit
Canadiens to keep an eye on:
P.K. Subban is a maniac. Powerful, talented, strong, full of energy; Subban is a unique physique. In 30 games this season Subban has 7 goals and 19 points. Though he’s rated a -1 in plus/minus. Subban’s weakness is one of his strengths: his energy. He can be drawn into running around too much and getting out of position. The Kings need to keep the puck away from him, dump it into the Canadiens zone, and forecheck hard, hitting Subban early and often.
Carey Price: one of the best goalies in the NHL, Price helped carry the Canadiens to the Eastern Conference Final in 2014. This season Price has fallen to the middle of the pack with his numbers, sporting a 2.40 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. Though he’s not rated in the top ten in the NHL, the numbers are still impressive. The Kings need to create traffic in front, and get Price moving laterally if they want to beat the star goaltender.
Max Pacioretty leads Montreal in points. The crafty winger has been generating offense and finding the net often for Montreal. In 30 games this season Pacioretty has 13 goals and 22 points. His 13 goals puts Pacioretty in 14th at scoring in the NHL. Most impressively, Pacioretty leads the Canadiens in plus/minus rating as a +12. Playing with heart along the boards, it’s hard to knock Pacioretty off the puck. He may not be the face of the Canadiens franchise, but his shifty moves and embattled spirit has become the attitude of the team.
The Canadiens have consistently been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season. It will be a great game to watch and see how the Kings stack up to one of the best in the East. Puck-drop is 4:30 p.m. PST.
Go Kings Go!
Mar 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) is pursued by Montreal Canadiens right wing Rene Bourque (17) and center Ryan White (53) at Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Canadiens 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports