Los Angeles Kings Host New York Islanders Tonight
The Los Angeles Kings will host the New York Islanders tonight at Staples Center. Puck-drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.
The Kings return home for the first time in five games. Coming off a one game win streak the Kings will look to pick up a much needed two points. L.A. is currently tied for fourth place in the Pacific Division with 16 points and a record of 7-4-2.
The Islanders are coming off a comeback win last night over the Anaheim Ducks. After blowing a two goal lead the Islanders, John Tavares scored in overtime to get the win.
L.A. Kings Insider Jon Rosen reports the morning skate, and projected line combinations are as follows:
Forwards:
Marian Gaborik – Anze Kopitar – Jordan Nolan
Tanner Pearson – Jeff Carter – Tyler Toffoli
Dwight King- Mike Richards – Dustin Brown
Kyle Clifford – Jarret Stoll – Trevor Lewis
Defensemen:
Jake Muzzin – Drew Doughty
Robyn Regehr – Alec Martinez
Brayden McNabb – Matt Greene
Goaltenders:
Jonathan Quick
Martin Jones
Jordan Nolan returns to the lineup after serving a two game suspension for hitting Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm from behind. From the looks of it Nolan will start the game on the first line along side the Duo of Marian Gaborik and Anze Kopitar.
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Eyes On Isles
Dec 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) battles for the puck between New York Islanders center Pierre-Marc Bouchard (96) and center Casey Cizikas (53) during the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Williams did not participate in the morning skate. It was assumed that Williams would miss tonights matchup, and potentially the next few games due to an eye laceration suffered during Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Stars. Stars defensemen Brenden Dillion high-sticked Williams, requiring Williams to get stitches near his right eye.
Head coach Darryl Sutter has called Williams day-to-day, unfortuantely the hardened veteran will not suit up tonight.
New York Islanders players to watch: young superstar John Tavares leads the team. Tavares is tie for the Islanders lead in both goals – 6, and points – 14. Fellow linemate Kyle Okposo has 14 points as well, with 5 goals of his own. However, both players currently have negative plus/minus ratings, indicating the play is an end to end, back and forth, blitz of shots at both nets, style of hockey. That’s an area for the Kings to exploit.
Jaroslav Halak played for the Islanders last night. Normally it would be doubtful that a goaltender would get back to back starts, but the Islanders have already split a significant number of games between their goaltenders with Halak starting 8 games, and backup Chad Johnson starting 4. Against the Kings the assumption for now is Halak will be between the pipes.
The Kings will look to take advantage of the Islanders lack of rest, and the comfortable confines of home ice at Staples Center tonight.