Kings Face League-Leading Jets in Series Finale
The Los Angeles Kings will face off against the Winnipeg Jets tonight at Crypto.com Arena at 7:30 PM Pacific, concluding their three-game homestand and the season series against the top team in the league.The game will be broadcast on the FanDuel sports Network and can be followed on the ESPN LA App.
Kings Look to Continue Success Against Winnipeg
Los Angeles aims to maintain their winning record against the Jets, having secured victories in their previous two encounters this season, both at home and in Winnipeg. Forward Adrian Kempe has been a key player in these matchups, leading the Kings with four points (2 goals, 2 assists), including the overtime game-winning goal in their January game in Winnipeg. Veteran forward Anze Kopitar has also contributed considerably with three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in the two games.
Kuemper Expected to Start in Goal
Darcy Kuemper is projected to start in goal for the Kings tonight. Kuemper boasts a career record of 7-2-0 against the Jets, supported by a .918 save percentage and a 2.78 goals-against average. He was the winning goalie in the January game against the Jets, stopping 18 of 19 shots.
Projected Kings Lineup
Based on the morning skate, here’s how the Kings are expected to line up:
- Kuzmenko – Kopitar – Kempe
- Foegele – Danault – Moore
- Fiala – Byfield – Laferriere
- malott – Helenius – Lewis
- Anderson – Burroughs
- Gavrikov – Spence
- Edmundson – Clarke
- Moverare – Thomas
- kuemper
- Rittich
Alex Laferriere is expected to play after missing Sunday’s game due to illness. Drew Doughty did not participate in the morning skate, which is consistent with his regular routine
Jets Riding a Three-Game Win Streak
Winnipeg enters tonight’s game on a three-game winning streak. They are coming off a 3-1 victory over Vancouver.
Jets’ Previous Lineup
Per the Winnipeg Jets’ official account, here’s how they lined up in their recent win against Vancouver:
Forecasting today’s group 👤@PlayNowManitoba PREDICT 🔽https://t.co/PWhlvntLqv pic.twitter.com/V9vGuGd5D0
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 30, 2025
Kings to Celebrate Nick Nickson’s legacy Before Facing League-Leading Jets
The Los angeles kings are set to honor longtime team personality nick nickson with a pre-game ceremony tonight. The Kings, who recently set a franchise record for home wins, then face a crucial test against the Winnipeg Jets, who are tied for the NHL lead in road victories.
Nick Nickson Night: A Party of a Kings Icon
Tonight is Nick Nickson Night, with a special pre-game ceremony planned to recognize his contributions to the Kings organization. The ceremony is scheduled to begin around 7:30 p.m. local time, with puck drop against the Jets slightly delayed to accommodate the celebration.
Coach Jim Hiller, reminiscing about meeting Nickson in 1992, lauded him as “a legend, one of the best and just a terrific person… Great broadcaster, we all know that, I think our fans know that, but the type of person he is, positive, always happy, that’s a good guy to be around.”
Kings Faceoff Against Winnipeg Jets in Key Matchup
Following the Nickson celebration, the Kings will take on the Winnipeg Jets in a game with notable implications for the Pacific Division standings. The Kings are currently battling for playoff positioning.
“They’re one of the best teams in the NHL and going against them, we’re pretty pumped and if we come, it’s going to be a realy good game,” defenseman Jordan Spence said. “We’re really excited. With playoffs just around the corner, these games are really important.”
Entering tonight’s action, the Kings sit two points clear of Edmonton for the two seed in the Pacific Division. Both teams are in action tonight, with the Oilers visiting Vegas. The Kings could finish the evening four points clear of their rivals from Alberta. They could also finish the evening leading only via tiebreaker.
Injury Updates: Vilardi Out, Iafallo steps Up
Forward Gabriel Vilardi is sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Alex Iafallo has taken Vilardi’s spot on the top forward line. Forward Rasmus Kupari is also out with an injury.
Los Angeles, CA – the Los Angeles Kings are gearing up for a high-stakes matchup against the NHL’s top team, a challenge they have historically embraced, particularly on home ice. Despite a recent loss to Toronto, which marked their first home defeat against a current playoff team this season, the Kings aim to leverage their competitive spirit and recent successes against this opponent.
Kings Prepare for Intense Battle Against League Leaders
Forward Trevor Moore emphasized the team’s pride when facing elite competition. “We have a lot of competitive guys in the room and when you see a team like them come into town, it’s a pride thing,” Moore stated, highlighting the team’s desire to perform at their best in these critical games.
Hiller Highlights History Against Top Team
Interim Head Coach Jim Hiller pointed out the significance of the game, noting that the kings have already defeated the league’s best team twice this season. ”Best team in the league coming into your building, I don’t think too much more needs to be said outside of that,” Hiller remarked, adding that the opponent will likely be seeking to avenge those earlier losses.
Laferriere’s Status Uncertain; Turcotte and Jeannot Remain Sidelined
Forward Alex Laferriere, who missed Sunday’s game due to illness, skated but his availability remains uncertain. Hiller expressed hope that Laferriere woudl be ready to play, pending a final check. Meanwhile, forwards Alex Turcotte and Tanner jeannot continue to recover from injuries. Turcotte has been out for four games with an upper-body injury, while Jeannot has missed three games. Both players were key contributors on the fourth line before their injuries.
Kings Prospects Shine in NCAA Tournament
Looking ahead, the kings boast a strong presence in the NCAA frozen Four, with four prospects advancing – the most of any NHL team.
- Hampton Slukynsky (Goaltender, Western michigan): Slukynsky has been a standout, allowing only two goals in two tournament games.
- Jaret Wright and James Reeder (Forwards, Denver University): Both have been consistent contributors as Denver seeks a second consecutive title. Reeder scored the game-winning goal, advancing Denver to the Frozen Four.
- Jack hughes (Forward, Boston University): Hughes tallied three points in the tournament opener. He and the terriers are moving on to the final weekend.
The NCAA Hockey Tournament is currently on hold to avoid conflicting with the men’s basketball tournament.
Kings Prospects Set to Clash in NCAA Frozen Four
St. Louis, MO – The NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament reaches its crescendo this week, with the Frozen Four set to ignite on Thursday, April 10. The stakes are high as teams battle for a coveted spot in the national championship game, scheduled for saturday, April 12. Adding extra intrigue for Los Angeles Kings fans, several of the organization’s prospects are poised to play significant roles in the tournament’s final stages, guaranteeing at least one Kings prospect will vie for the title.
Frozen Four Matchups Feature Future Kings
The semifinal matchups promise intense competition. Slukynsky, representing Western Michigan, will face off against Wright and Reeder of the University of Denver.In the other semifinal, Hughes and his team will battle Penn State University for a chance to advance.
Nick Nickson Honored as Playoff Push Intensifies
Amidst the excitement of the NCAA tournament, the Kings organization is also celebrating a significant milestone. Longtime broadcaster Nick Nickson is being honored for his years of service as he enters his final month of regular-season broadcasting. The Kings are also in the midst of a crucial playoff push.
Based on the provided text, here are two Potential Audience Action (PAA) related questions:
Kings Face League-Leading Jets in Series Finale: Q&A
this article previews the Los Angeles kings’ upcoming game against the Winnipeg Jets, highlighting key players, potential lineups, and the festivity of Nick Nickson. Here’s a breakdown of the most critically important details:
Who are the winnipeg jets?
The Winnipeg Jets are the current league leaders in the NHL, making them a formidable opponent for the Kings. They’re also on a three-game winning streak.
trivia: The Jets franchise has a history in Atlanta before relocating to Winnipeg!
When and where is the game?
The game is tonight at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, starting at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.
Actionable Advice: tune in to the FanDuel Sports Network or the ESPN LA App to watch or listen!
What’s the Kings’ record against the Jets this season?
The Kings have won both previous games against the Jets this season.
Interesting Fact: Adrian Kempe has been a key player for the Kings in these matchups, leading the team with four points (2 goals, 2 assists).
Who is the expected starting goalie for the Kings?
Darcy Kuemper is projected to start in goal for the Kings.
Did You Know: Kuemper has a strong career record (7-2-0) against the jets!
What is the expected Kings’ lineup?
- kuzmenko – Kopitar – Kempe
- Foegele – Danault – Moore
- Fiala – Byfield – Laferriere
- malott – Helenius – Lewis
- Anderson – Burroughs
- Gavrikov – Spence
- Edmundson – Clarke
- Moverare – Thomas
- kuemper
- Rittich
Important Note: Alex Laferriere is expected to play after missing the previous game due to illness.
Why is this game critically important?
The Kings are battling for playoff positioning in the Pacific Division.They are currently two points clear of Edmonton for second place. This game is a test of their ability to compete against the best in the league.
Advice: this game will set the tone for the rest of the season, so be sure to cheer on yoru favorite team!
What else is happening at the game?
The Kings are honoring long-time team personality nick Nickson with a pre-game ceremony.
Trivia: Nick Nickson has been a voice of the Kings for decades!
What is the status of injured players?
Gabriel Vilardi is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury, and Alex iafallo will take his place on the top forward line. Rasmus Kupari, alex Turcotte and Tanner Jeannot are also injured.
Did you know? Both alex Turcotte and Tanner Jeannot were key contributors on the fourth line before their injuries .
What about the NCAA frozen Four?
Several Kings prospects are playing in the NCAA Frozen Four tournament.
Interesting fact: The Kings have the most prospects (4) in this year’s NCAA Frozen Four!
With a crucial game against the league-leading Jets and a celebration for nick nickson, tonight’s game promises to be exciting. Don’t miss the action!
