Kings' Lineup Going Into the Playoffs
With the 2024 NHL playoffs just under a week away, it is a good time to review what the Los Angeles Kings lineup could look like ahead of Game 1.
Forwards:
Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson
Fiala - Dubois - Laferriere
Grundstrom - Lizotte - Lewis
This lineup could challenge whomever the Kings play in the first round. They are deep and have defensive-minded forwards to help shut down the opposition's top lines.
The two lines that stand out the most are the top two. The line of Quinton Byfield, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe can dominate a game, easily. They have a ton of skill, and with Kopitar's leadership, Kempe's speed and Byfield's energy, they are going to be a tough matchup.
The second line of Trevor Moore, Phillip Danault, and Viktor Arvidsson is most likely going to be the team's shutdown line. Danault is the main reason for it; he is so good on the defensive side of the puck, and his ability to match up against the best players in the world and shut them down is elite. Arvidsson and Moore will help with the offensive contributions for this line.
Defence:
Anderson - Doughty
Gavrikov - Roy
Englund - Spence
This blue line runs through Drew Doughty; if he is on his game, the entire back end plays better. However, if he isn't, then that could be a problem for the Kings.
A few more names to watch for are Vladislav Gavrikov and Andreas Englund. Gavrikov has shown to be a good second option behind Doughty, which is what Stanley Cup-winning teams need; a strong, reliable second option on the blue line.
Lastly, Englund brings a physical presence to the team. He is the type of player who holds the opposition accountable and honest. Especially in the playoffs, when things get a bit more relaxed and the whistles seem to disappear a bit. To have a player like Englund who will protect his teammates is priceless.
Goalies:
Talbot
Rittich
It is no secret that Cam Talbot will be getting the starts in the playoffs for the Kings. He has been their go-to guy this season, and with David Rittich as their backup, that is unlikely to change. However, it is worth noting that if Talbot is struggling, then Rittich will get his chance to prove he can help this club win meaningful games.