Foegele Joins, Turcotte Sidelined; Edmundson Game-Time Decision, Hiller Discusses Kopitar, Connors
The Los Angeles Kings face the Detroit Red Wings for a pivotal matchup tonight at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. This game follows the postponement of the Kings’ previous match against Columbus, reducing their current trip from six games to five. The puck drops at 4:00 PM Pacific Time.
Team Overview
The Kings enter this game with a record of 21 wins, 16 losses, and 13 overtime losses. In contrast, the Red Wings have excelled recently, boasting an impressive 8-1-1 record in their last ten games. Detroit’s latest victory was a strong 5-1 performance against Winnipeg.
Matchup History
- Corey Perry scored two goals in their last meeting, showcasing his historical success against the Red Wings with 20 career goals against them.
- Adrian Kempe has tallied seven goals in his last nine games against Detroit, leading the Kings with a total of ten points (7 goals, 3 assists) in that span.
Injury Updates
Forward Alex Turcotte and defenseman Joel Edmundson are both sidelined with upper-body injuries. Turcotte missed practice yesterday and today, while Edmundson participated in a lower-intensity skate but remains a game-time decision.
Expected Lineup Changes
With Turcotte out, Warren Foegele returns to the lineup, taking Turcotte’s slot. Foegele missed the previous game as a healthy scratch and will join newly returned Trevor Moore and Quinton Byfield on a line.
If Edmundson cannot play tonight, Jacob Moverare will replace him on defense, posing a challenge for the Kings given their already thin center depth.
Players to Watch
- Warren Foegele: Aiming to capitalize on his return to the lineup, Foegele’s performance tonight is crucial for the Kings.
- Joel Armia: Expected to play center for the first time with the Kings, Armia is ready to adapt his gameplay to this new role.
- Anze Kopitar: Although he won’t play tonight, his potential return later in the trip is a positive sign for the Kings.
Coaching Perspective
Jim Hiller, the Kings’ head coach, expresses hope for a strong showing despite the injury challenges. Hiller commended Foegele’s intensity in practice and acknowledged the need for every player to step up in the face of an imbalanced lineup.
Game Day Logistics
Fans can follow the game on the FanDuel Sports Network for video and through the ESPN LA App for audio coverage. Updates will also be available via the Kings’ official Twitter account.
As the Kings prepare to face the Red Wings, all eyes will be on the lineup adjustments and the impact of any last-minute changes. This game could be a critical test for both teams as they push towards their season objectives.
