The Los Angeles Kings had some surprising lineup changes ahead of their game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. Earlier in the day, it was announced that Akil Thomas would play in his first game this season.
The expectation was that he would replace Trevor Lewis at center on the fourth line. However, shortly before the start of the game, it was announced that Kevin Fiala would not play after violating team rules.
It was a tough few days for Fiala who would be benched midway through the game against the Utah Hockey Club. Then would miss a team meeting and Jim Hiller decided to take him out of the lineup against the Sharks due to the violation.
On Wednesday night, Zach Dooley reported that Kevin Fiala would be back for the game against the Vegas Golden Knights. However, Akil Thomas would also remain in the lineup.
Kevin Fiala will play tonight for the @LAKings. Akil Thomas will stay in the lineup.
— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) October 31, 2024
Not sure who is coming out, could be a game-time decision.
Interestingly enough Dooley noted that he wasn't sure who would be taken out of the lineup. It could be a game-time decision but it wouldn't be surprising if the Kings go back to the originial plan from Tuesday night with Thomas replacing Trevor Lewis at center.
Los Angeles Kings are going to need their goal scorers against the Vegas Golden Knights
The fact that Fiala and Thomas are in the lineup is good news because the Golden Knights are the top-scoring team currently in the NHL. Entering Wednesday night, the Golden Knights have averaged 4.70 goals per game.
Meanwhile, the Kings have been in the middle of the NHL with an average of three goals per game. However, Fiala is second on the team in goals with four and Akil Thomas has shown he knows how to get the puck in the net with four goals in eight games dating back to last season.