Rink Royalty goes behind the scenes with Union and Blue for LAK-CBJ game

Dec 11, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault (24) faces off against Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) in the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault (24) faces off against Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) in the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports
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Question No. 5: Johnny Gaudreau is an incredibly talented hockey player. Will the Kings have a problem with him tonight?

"A: “We just released and article on Johnny Gaudreau this morning. He’s red hot, with 7 points in his last two games. After a 5-point night in San Jose, he has 62 points in 64 games – a pace that would give him the third best season in Jacket franchise history. A lot of people probably expect him and Patrik Laine to be joined at the hip, but they have been playing mostly on separate lines this year. This has created a difficult matchup for opponents quite this year, even though their linemates aren’t quite on the same level. Quietly, Gaudreau has been producing at a high rate, even with inconsistent linemates. I would expect no different tonight, this team is still fighting hard in spite of their place in the standings.”"

The Kings will have to keep an eye on Johnny Gaudreau, the free agency signing that caught the hockey world off-guard as Columbus has never been a free agency “hot-spot.” But, he decided to go there and is having a very impressive individual season despite the team’s performance. With a winger duo of Gaudreau and Laine, the Blue Jackets just need a few more pieces and they could be a contending team in the near future, especially if they wind up with Connor Bedard.

Two teams that made a business deal just a few weeks ago are now set to face off in what could be a very entertaining matchup. Tune in tonight at 7:30 PST, or 10:30 EST!