The Chicago Blackhawks are set to host the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night, continuing momentum from a strong stretch of play, having secured four wins in their last five games. As the Blackhawks return to home ice at the United Center, they will face a Kings team struggling to find their footing this season.
Last year, the Kings showcased solid performance but faced an unfortunate first-round exit in the playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers. This season has not been as kind, as LA has yet to achieve a regulation win through nine games (3-3-3), managing to earn points only with two overtime wins and one shootout. Recently, the Kings fell to the Nashville Predators 5-4 in a shootout, which could leave their players fatigued heading into this matchup. The team is also navigating a tough five-game road trip, with the first part of the season featuring away games in 14 out of 21 contests.
The Kings’ previous success hinged on strong goaltending from Darcy Kuemper, a Vezina candidate last season with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. However, this season has seen a decline in his performance, with a record of 2-2-2, a 2.78 goals-against average, and a .887 save percentage. He played the previous night against Nashville, so the Blackhawks might see Anton Forsberg in net instead.
Offensively, Adrian Kempe leads the Kings with 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists), followed by promising young talent Quinton Byfield with eight points (2 goals, 6 assists). Veteran Anze Kopitar remains a key presence on the ice, while Kevin Fiala and Andrew Kuzmenko also contribute effectively to scoring. With former Blackhawk Phillip Danault and local product Alex Turcotte on the roster, the Kings boast a blend of experience and youth. However, concerns about age are apparent as defenseman Drew Doughty, at nearly 36, is the team’s ice-time leader.
The Kings find themselves at a crossroads, as they haven’t surpassed the first playoff round since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014. With Kopitar nearing retirement and a declining prospect pool, the Kings may need to rethink their strategy if they hope to reclaim their competitive edge in a league that demands fresh talent and consistent performances.
On the other hand, the Blackhawks are enjoying a spirited run, amplified by their time off, which allowed for team bonding activities during this positive stretch. While Tyler Bertuzzi is expected to miss the game due to a day-to-day injury, his absence won’t overshadow the team’s current form.
The Blackhawks’ lineup features promising talents, including Connor Bedard, who takes center stage, supported by Ilya Mikheyev and Andre Burakovsky. The defensive line has shown strength as well as a commendable penalty-kill percentage, crucial for upcoming games.
As both teams prepare for this intriguing matchup, the Blackhawks will aim to capitalize on their home advantage against a fatigued and struggling Kings side.
The game kicks off at 6 p.m. CT live from the United Center and will be broadcast on CHSN, with additional streaming options available via ESPN+. Fans eagerly anticipate a captivating clash as both teams vie for crucial points early in the season.