Preview: Fourth Line Thrives, No Changes Expected; Edmundson on Injury, 6-on-5 Goals
The Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for a showdown against the Buffalo Sabres at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. This matchup is part of the 2025 NHL regular season, specifically game 52 out of 82. The game is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, at 4:00 PM Pacific Time.
Current Team Dynamics
The Kings enter the game riding a three-game winning streak. They face the Sabres, who have been exceptional, collecting an impressive 43 points over the last two months. The Kings aim to maintain their momentum against a formidable opponent.
Head-to-Head Matchup
- Defenseman Cody Ceci has been notable, with six assists and a +5 rating across seven games against the Sabres in the past five seasons.
- Forward Taylor Ward has familial ties to the Sabres, as his father, Dixon, played for the team from 1995 to 2000.
Kings Roster Insights
Today’s practice saw most Kings players participating, but goaltender Darcy Kuemper sat out and is expected to start. Kuemper previously achieved a remarkable 32 saves on 33 shots in his last game in Buffalo, which ended in a 3-1 victory.
The expected lineup for the Kings is:
- Perry – Laferriere – Kempe
- Moore – Byfield – Foegele
- Fiala – Armia – Kuzmenko
- Malott – Helenius – Ward
- Anderson – Doughty
- Edmundson – Clarke
- Dumoulin – Ceci
- Kuemper, Forsberg
This lineup remains unchanged, emphasizing the effectiveness of the fourth line, which continues to thrive.
Key Players to Watch
In recent weeks, forward Tage Thompson of the Sabres has performed exceptionally, ranking for seventh in the NHL with 16 goals and ninth with 34 points. On defense, Rasmus Dahlin stands out with 11 goals this season, ranking him alongside the league’s top defensemen.
Player Updates and Injuries
Forward Alex Turcotte will not participate in tonight’s game due to an upper-body injury. Defenseman Joel Edmundson is managing his own injury but is cleared to play. Meanwhile, captain Anze Kopitar is recovering and may see action this weekend.
6-on-5 Defensive Challenges
Despite their current winning streak, the Kings have struggled with 6-on-5 situations, allowing three goals against in their last three matches. This is an area Head Coach Jim Hiller has identified for improvement.
A Test Against the Hottest Team
The Sabres are on fire, boasting a record of 19-3-1 in their last 23 games. They have scored an average of five goals in three of their last four outings. Tonight promises to be a significant test for the Kings as they face off against the NHL’s hottest team.
Fans can follow the game via various channels, including the FanDuel Sports Network and the LA Kings App. Puck drop is set for 4 PM Pacific time, and the Kings look to extend their winning streak against a top-tier opponent.
