LA Kings vs. Florida Panthers Preview: Projected Lineups, Key Points, and More

The Los Angeles Kings are back at Crypto.com Arena and will try to get past a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night when they play the Florida Panthers.

Look Back at Last Season

The Kings grabbed three of a possible four points against the Panthers last season, including a 2-1 victory here in DTLA. Kevin Fiala led the Kings in total scoring, collecting three points in those two games.

Key Points against the Florida Panthers

1. Dominance against the Panthers

Since the beginning of 2020, the Kings have controlled the season series, winning six of eight total matchups, skating to a record of 6-1-1. When specifically looking at matchups on home ice, the Kings are a perfect 4-0-0.

While there has been much roster turnover since the beginning of the decade, the Kings have scored at a high tick in these games, scoring 3.75 goals on average. Defensively the Kings have allowed less than three goals, at a rate of 2.75.

Another important fact when looking at these matchups is the one-goal games. In all but one of these eight matchups, the game has been decided by one goal, including all the games at Crypto.com Arena.

Look for tonight's matchup against the Panthers to be another close-checking game, one goal game.

2. Top Nine Thomas

Despite being out of game action since December 28, forward Akil Thomas is expected to skate in Kings' top nine tonight, alongside Kevin Fiala and Philip Danault.

While his numbers across his NHL career are not something to go crazy about, we have seen Thomas' ability to have a major impact on games, with him hopefully providing a much-needed energy boost to the struggling Phillip Danault and Kevin Fiala.

We can hope to see a well-energized Akil Thomas provide a boost to his new linemates.

3. Powerplay Performing

The Kings have seen their powerplay provide some much-needed offense since switching to a Jordan Spence-led first unit, scoring in all three games he has filled the role of PP1 quarterback.

While it is only a two-game sample size, the Kings have clicked at 2/5, for 40%. While this is an unrealistic percentage to score at, what stands out more is the play of the top unit. Things seem to be clicking better, with the Kings generating more high-danger chances and seeing more results come.

When looking at tonight's matchup, the Kings will see plenty of chances on the man advantage, as the Panthers are the second most penalized team in the league. Their PK is middle of the row as well, sitting 17th in the league at 78.4%.

Special teams will have another important aspect on tonight's game.

Los Angeles Kings Lineup Notes

The Kings are shaking things up tonight, with Akil Thomas expected to rejoin the lineup and skate alongside Kevin Fiala and Phillip Danault. Defensively, Jordan Spence is expected to be paired alongside Joel Edmundson, while Brandt Clarke will be with Jacob Moverare.

Both Alex Laferriere and Drew Doughty were on the ice in non-contact jerseys, with their returns seeming to get closer day by day.

Look across the ice at the Florida Panthers

The Panthers come into tonight off a 5-2 win in Anaheim last night. Here is how they lined up in that one.

The Panthers are led offensively by their top-line trio of Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Sam Reinhart. The Cats have also received great secondary scoring from Anton Lundell, Sam Bennett, and Evan Rodrigues, while forward Jesper Boqvist has been a welcomed surprise from Boston.

Spencer Knight will get the start for the Panthers tonight. The once highly touted prospect has returned to the NHL nicely this year, sitting at 9-6-1 with a .905 save percentage and 2.45 goals against average.

The Panthers have been without defenseman Aaron Ekblad for their previous five games, and while he is with them on this road trip, a return for him is uncertain.

How to tune in

Tonight's puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PST and 10:00 p.m. EST and is available to watch on TNT. An audio-only feed is available on the ESPN LA App. Go Kings Go!