The Los Angeles Kings are hitting the road and for the first time since October 22nd will be playing a game outside the state of California. After seven road games to begin the season, the Kings have had four home games with the only road game being in San Jose against the Sharks.
On Monday, they will be playing the Nashville Predators who have gotten off to a very slow start, which is uncharacteristic for a team that has made the playoffs nine out of the past 10 seasons. The Predators are going to be desperate for a win while the Kings will want to put a disappointing performance against the Blackhawks behind them.
These are four things to watch in the game Monday night.
Can the Los Angeles Kings get a lead and keep it?
The Los Angeles Kings ended up with a shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday after being up 3-1 late in the third period. When considering this game, along with a 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks the Kings are not winning the games they should.
While the Predators have historically been good, this season has been a different story with a 4-6-1 record and currently is tied for the second fewest points in the NHL at nine. The Predators looked better in their last game, a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche, so the Kings can't take this lightly.
They need to come out with the same energy they did against the Blackhawks but not let the Predators back into the game if they get the lead.
Can Alex Laferriere extend his goal streak?
Alex Laferriere was one of the biggest bright spots for the Los Angeles Kings against the Chicago Blackhawks as he had two goals in the game. On the season, he now has eight and is currently leading the Kings in that category.
However, even prior to the Blackhawks game Laferriere was getting the puck into the net and has had a goal in three straight games. This is easily the longest of his NHL career as he didn't have goals in back-to-back games at any point in his rookie season.
Will Quinton Byfield score his first goal of the season?
While Alex Laferriere is riding a hot streak, Quinton Byfield has been ice cold and has yet to have a goal this season. It is hard to imagine that would be the case with the way he played last season and even leading into this season during the preseason.
The focus for Byfield in this game is to just start trying to get shots on net because eventually, good things will happen. He had three shots against the Blackhawks but the three games before that he didn't have a single shot. For a forward averaging 15 to 20 minutes of ice time with his skill set, this can't continue without him shooting.
David Rittich should get the start against Nashville
The Los Angeles Kings are heading into back-to-back road games as they will travel to Minnesota to play the Wild after their game against the Predators. Since returning from his injury, Kuemper has played in three of the four Kings' games but the team may want to give him the night off.
The Wild have been playing great hockey at 8-1-2 and the Los Angeles Kings should focus on having their best possible lineup on the ice. Even with a lackluster performance against the Blackhawks, Kuemper gives them the best chance at a win.
It would make sense for the Kings to turn to David Rittich for the game against the Predators to make sure Kuemper is well-rested for Tuesday night.