The Los Angeles Kings are set to host the Detroit Red Wings for an exciting matchup on Thursday, October 30, at 7:30 PM Pacific Time at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This game marks the 12th of an 82-game regular season, as the Kings embark on a four-game homestand in front of their home crowd.
In their previous encounters, forward Adrian Kempe stood out as the only Kings player to score multiple goals against the Red Wings last season, netting two goals over two games. In total, Kempe has tallied seven goals in eight games against Detroit over the last four seasons, leading his team in scoring against them.
The Kings practiced this morning in El Segundo after a team day off, and they are expected to keep the same lineup that faced off against the San Jose Sharks. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is projected to take the net following a strong performance that saw him make 38 saves in their last outing. Kuemper holds a career record of 3-5-1 against the Red Wings, with a save percentage of .901.
An injury update reveals that forward Warren Foegele remains sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained in the recent victory against Chicago. Although he won’t be available for tonight’s game, there is still hope he could return during the homestand. If adjustments to the lineup are necessary, forwards Samuel Helenius and Jacob Moverare could be considered for a spot.
The Red Wings, meanwhile, come off a successful home-and-home sweep against the St. Louis Blues and will face the Kings as part of a challenging stretch against Pacific Division teams. Under the guidance of head coach Todd McLellan and assistant coach Trent Yawney, Detroit has started the season strong, boasting a record of 7-3-0. Key player Dylan Larkin leads the team, ranking high among NHL players with 16 points, including eight goals.
A central storyline for the Kings revolves around their energy levels following a grueling schedule. Head coach Greg Hiller expressed that while the team struggled in San Jose, a brief home reset could rejuvenate them for the match against Detroit. Players noted the benefits of spending time at home, including attending Game 5 of the World Series, which has helped them mentally recharge for the game tonight.
The Kings will strive to improve their performance from prior games, being aware of the lapses that occurred. As they prepare to kick off their homestand, there is a palpable excitement among the players, eager to see their potential translated into a stronger showing on home ice.
Key points to watch include the performance of Anze Kopitar, who has recently returned from injury, and the increasing minutes likely for defenseman Brandt Clarke, who has been making a significant impact on the ice. This match also holds added significance for McLellan, as it marks his first return to Los Angeles since coaching the Kings from 2019 to 2024.
As the Kings and Red Wings square off, fans can look forward to an exciting evening of hockey and the hope that the Kings will capitalize on their home advantage.