Byfield Returns and Forsberg in Net: Key Match Impacts Standings
The Los Angeles Kings host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday, April 9. Puck drops at 7:30 PM Pacific at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Match details
The game is the 78th of the 2025-26 regular season. The Kings enter at 32-26-19. Vancouver stands at 22-47-8.
Los Angeles is 3-1-1 on its current seven-game homestand. This is the penultimate home game for the Kings this season.
Recent meetings and form
The teams met in March. Quinton Byfield, Trevor Moore and Mikey Anderson all recorded multiple points in that game.
Adrian Kempe has three points in two head-to-head games this season. Brock Boeser leads Vancouver with 21 goals.
Key numbers
- Byfield had a 1-1-2 line in the March meeting.
- Forsberg made 19 saves on 20 shots in the Los Angeles win earlier this season.
- Boeser has 17 career goals in 25 games versus Los Angeles.
Projected lineup and availability
Yesterday’s practice and today’s optional skate shaped the expected group. Alex Turcotte remains injured and unavailable.
| Forwards | Defense | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Panarin – Kopitar – Kempe | Anderson – Doughty | Anton Forsberg |
| Moore – Byfield – Laferriere | Edmundson – Clarke | Darcy Kuemper |
| Armia – Laughton – Wright | Dumoulin – Ceci | |
| Malott – Helenius – Ward |
Mathieu Joseph and Jacob Moverare are available options off the bench. Expect small adjustments if needed.
Goaltending and coaching notes
Anton Forsberg gets tonight’s start for Los Angeles. He earned the earlier 2-1 overtime win against Vancouver.
Since the coaching change, Forsberg has a .913 save percentage in seven appearances. His two April starts show a .945 mark.
Forsberg in Net: Key Match Impacts Standings is an apt summary of tonight’s importance for Los Angeles.
Standings and stakes
The Kings have 83 points entering this game. They trail Nashville by one point for the final wild card spot.
Los Angeles holds a game in hand and a higher maximum point total than several rivals. Winning down the stretch remains crucial.
Why this game matters
Five games remain for the Kings. Each result will shape playoff chances and seeding battles.
San Jose’s recent loss improved Los Angeles’ position. Still, the team must keep winning to solidify its path.
Player focus
Byfield did not practice yesterday and skipped the optional skate. He is expected to play, per interim coach D.J. Smith.
Byfield Returns is the short phrase capturing his anticipated availability tonight. He brings recent offensive form.
Over his last 11 games, Byfield has 11 points. He has taken on larger defensive assignments and net-front play.
Broadcast and coverage
Video coverage is on FanDuel Sports Network. Audio is available via the ESPN LA App and the LA Kings App.
Follow live updates on Twitter via @dooleylak and @lakings. Comprehensive coverage appears at Filmogaz.com.
Los Angeles needs a win to build momentum. Vancouver will be hungry on the road. Expect a high-stakes game at 7:30 PM.
