Today the Los Angeles Kings take on the New Jersey Devils. After coming off of a devastating loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Kings will be looking to rejuvenate their roster and their fans with a victory against the struggling New jersey Devils, a team sitting comfortably at sixth place in the Metropolitan Division.
After the loss against the Canucks, the Kings are sitting two points behind Calgary for third place in their division, and they will be hoping to pick up every possible point in the final stretch of this season.
The L.A. Kings are the thick of a playoff race, and every game is crucial now. But some good news on the injury front, Tanner Pearson has been reported to be practicing with the team, and is talking about a full recovery after breaking his leg a few months ago. Losing Pearson was a detriment to the team, and hopefully the club can get him back on the roster in the middle of this playoff push.
So let’s talk lineups!
Los Angeles Kings
L.A. Kings:
Offense:
Gaborik – Kopitar – Brown
King – Carter – Toffoli
Clifford – Richards – Williams
Andreoff – Shore – Nolan
Defense:
Muzzin-Doughty
McBain – Sekera
McNabb – Martinez
Goalies:
Jonathan Quick
Martin Jones
These lineups are not 100% accurate, but are likely to be the lineups for tonight’s game. If I am wrong, I am not subject to public humiliation.
New Jersey Devils:
Offense:
Pucks and Pitchforks
Adam Henrique – Scott Gomez – Steve Bernier
Mike Cammalleri – Travis Zajac – Jordin Tootoo
Dainius Zubrus – Patrik Elias – Stephen Gionta
Tuomo Ruutu – Jacob Josefson – Peter Harrold
Defense:
Andy Greene – Adam Larrson
Jon Merrill – Damon Severson
Mark Fraser – Eric Gelinas
Goalies:
Cory Schneider
Keith Kinkaid
Players to Watch:
Mike Richards is definitely a player to watch. After being called up from the Manchester Monarchs, he’ll be looking to put in his best effort.
Mike Cammalleri is expected to be in the lineup tonight. Cammalleri has missed the last two games with flu-like symptoms.
The New Jersey Devils have struggle din the last couple of games, losing to the Islanders for the fourth time this season, also sitting on a record of 31-30-11. The Devils have accepted that there is likely no playoff possibility for them this season, but even though their hopes are dashed doesn’t mean they are going to stop fighting to the bitter end.
The Los Angeles Kings have a record of playing tough games come this time of the season.
Next: With Alec Martinez Back, Analyzing the Kings Defense
January 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Jeff Carter (77) moves the puck against the defense of New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac (19) during the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports