"The Kings are currently fighting to stabilize their season after a rocky December. They enter the week coming off a dramatic 5-4 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday (Jan. 3), where defenseman Brandt Clarke scored the shootout winner. The team is currently sitting 5th in the Pacific Division (17-14-9 record) and desperately needs points to stay in the Wild Card hunt."
"With injuries plaguing the lineup earlier in the season, the Kings are relying heavily on their younger core. Quinton Byfield continues to find the net ( scoring in the Jan. 3 win), and rookie Samuel Helenius just netted his first goal of the season. The integration of these younger players alongside veterans like Anze Kopitar (who has returned to the lineup after missing time earlier in the season) is critical for their playoff push."
Los Angeles Kings enter the week 17-14-9 and fifth in the Pacific Division after a rocky December and a 5-4 shootout win over Minnesota on Jan. 3, with Brandt Clarke scoring the shootout winner. Corey Perry has provided offense recently, including a three-assist game on New Year's Day and a goal in the Minnesota win. Injuries earlier in the season have increased reliance on younger players. Quinton Byfield scored on Jan. 3 and rookie Samuel Helenius recorded his first goal. Anze Kopitar has returned to the lineup. The schedule from Jan. 5–12 is critical for collecting points toward a Wild Card push.
Read at The Hockey Writers
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