The Los Angeles Kings are set to play the Anaheim Ducks for the final time this season and while they have already secured a playoff spot, they are still fighting for home ice advantage in the first round. They only need six points and that total can decrease with wins or losses by the Edmonton Oilers.
There is no question that the Kings would love to have home ice in the first round of the playoffs because it almost certainly will be the fourth year they are playing the Oilers. In addition, they have been the best team at home this season.
However, above all else entering the playoffs with a fully healthy roster would be just as much of an advantage. It would seem based on some of the updates ahead of this game that the LA Kings are trying to prioritize that.
The Kings are dealing with injuries to four key players, all of who missed the game on Monday against Seattle, and will also miss today's game. However, some seem to be getting very close to returning.
Alex Turcotte would fall into that category as he has returned to practice and has missed eight straight games before tonight. However, even with him practicing without any limitations the Kings are going to keep him out.
He will be joined by Tanner Jeannot, who has missed the past seven games but the Kings haven't really provided any type of update. The Kings have viewed him as week-to-week and among the four players not playing tonight, he is probably the player in most jeopardy of not being ready for the playoffs based on the lack of updates.
However, it is still far enough out that it isn't a guarantee and the good news for the Kings is that Jeff Malott has been a great replacement over the past few weeks.
Jacob Moverare and Kyle Burroughs will play bigger role for the Los Angeles Kings against Ducks
The other two players dealing with injuries are defensemen Drew Doughty and Joel Edmundson and they will be replaced by Jacob Moverare and Kyle Burroughs. Both have seen time over the course of the season and it isn't the worst thing to get them some regular ice time leading into the playoffs if there were a need for them to step back into the lineup.