The Los Angeles Kings are back after their three-day holiday break, taking on the San Jose Sharks at home.
The Kings are coming off a strong win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday, with the Sharks coming off a heavy 7-4 loss against the Vancouver Canucks.
David Rittich was the first goalie off the ice at morning skate, meaning he's expected to start tonight.
This means Can Talbot is the likely starter tomorrow night against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The big news heading into Wednesday's game is the return of Vladislav Gavrikov, who missed five games with a knee injury.
Gavrikov will return next to Matt Roy on the second pair, bolstering the Kings' top-four.
Jacob Moverare did a fine job replacing Gavrikov, but the Kings will see a big boost with his return.
The last time out against San Jose, the Kings comfortably won 4-1 in San Jose.
They'll like their chances again tonight against the Pacific Divisions last place team.
Against Calgary last Saturday, the Kings were led by their third line, with Alex Laferriere and Pierre-Luc Dubois standing out in particular.
The Kings will be hoping for more strong play from Dubois, who's still finding his feet in Los Angeles.
Projected Los Angeles Kings Lines:
Forwards:
Quinton Byfield - Anze Kopitar - Adrian Kempe
Kevin Fiala - Phil Danault - Trevor Moore
Arthur Kaliyev - Pierre-Luc Dubois - Alex Laferriere
Carl Grundstrom - Blake Lizotte - Trevor Lewis
Defense:
Mikey Anderson - Drew Doughty
Jacob Moverare - Matt Roy
Andreas Englund - Jordan Spence
Goalies:
Cam Talbot
David Rittich
Projected San Jose Sharks Lines:
Forwards:
Eklund-Hertl-Zadina
Duclair-Granlund-Zetterlund
Labanc-Kunin-Hoffman
Bailey-Studnicka-MacDonald
Defense:
Ferraro-Burroughs
Okhotiuk-Addison
Thrun-Rutta
Goalies:
Blackwood
Kahkonen