10/27 Preview – Morning Skate Notes + Facing The Same Opponent Twice, Line Identity & Matchups

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The Los Angeles Kings will face off against the Arizona Coyotes tonight in the second game of a home-and-home set. This will be their first of two games in Arizona this season.

In their first matchup of the season on Tuesday, the Kings emerged victorious with a 6-3 final score at Crypto.com Arena. Four Kings forwards had multi-point games in the win, with Kevin Fiala, Adrian Kempe, Anze Kopitar, and Blake Lizotte each contributing a goal and an assist. Fiala was the leading scorer for the Kings against the Coyotes last season, with five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in three games. He has scored a total of 23 points against Arizona throughout his career, which is the most he has scored against any NHL opponent.

Following a full-team practice yesterday, the Kings held an optional morning skate today in Tempe. Their lineup for tonight’s game is expected to be the same as in their last four games. However, if necessary, Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Tobias Bjornfot are options to check into the lineup.

The Arizona Coyotes have had a win-loss pattern this season, currently holding three wins and three losses. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka is expected to start in tonight’s game. He has a career record of 2-3-0 against the Kings, with a .892 save percentage and a 3.51 goals-against average. Despite conceding six goals in their last game against the Kings, the Coyotes rank in the NHL’s Top 10 for goals against per game and power play percentage. Forward Matias Maccelli has been a strong performer against the Kings, with five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in four career games.

This season, the Kings are facing the same opponent in consecutive games, which is a rare occurrence. The teams also played a preseason back-to-back series in Australia last month. This unique situation has its advantages and disadvantages. The coaches have less work in scouting a new opponent, as they can study the previous game against the same team. However, the opposition also has the opportunity to analyze and make adjustments. The players have the advantage of getting more comfortable playing against the same team and learning their systems, but it also means a tighter and more intense game. The team that can take advantage of this situation and make the necessary adjustments will come out on top.

One line that has been performing consistently for the Kings is the trio of Trevor Moore, Phillip Danault, and Arthur Kaliyev. They have connected on five goals for and have good puck possession metrics. Although Kaliyev brings a different style of play compared to Viktor Arvidsson, who previously played on that line, he has effectively slotted into the group. As Kaliyev gains more confidence, he will become more assertive and participate more in commanding the line. The players on the line have praised Kaliyev’s ability to score and contribute in the dirty areas of the ice. The line’s identity may have changed slightly, but the chemistry and effectiveness have remained.