When the Los Angeles Kings resume play on February 22, 2025, they’ll have nineteen games at home, ten on the road, to push for a playoff berth for the fourth, consecutive season. Head Coach Jim Hiller hasn’t been shy about experimenting and tinkering with his lineup to find success in varying situations. Over the last few weeks, it appears the team has built four solid lines that utilize all their Forwards. THE “TRIPLE A (AAA)” LINE Alex Turcotte – Anze Kopitar – Adrian Kempe This trio have been playing together on-and-off for the last few months. Kopitar and Kempe have been the anchors of this line while a litany of players have rotated into the third spot. Turcotte, who began the season bouncing between Center and Wing, found a home at Left-Wing with Kopitar and Kempe, matching their speed, north-south play, and willingness to go to the net. THE “HANSEL” LINE Kevin Fiala – Quinton Byfield – Alex Laferriere Everyone keeps talking about how hot this line has been and rightfully so. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF0_3QlbIpY[/embed] Across twenty-two games, this trio have been paired together for over eighty-two minutes TOI, producing six goals for, one goal against. Offensive creativity is what makes this line so special, which will be used to not only produce points for the Kings but keep the opposition on their heels, constantly guessing which of the three will put the dagger through their heart. This line not only generates excitement for the fans but sends electricity down the bench, as well. THE “SHUTDOWN” LINE Warren Foegele – Phillip Danault – Trevor Moore Hiller has made it publicly known that the trio of Fogele, Danault, and Moore is his go-to line for shutting down the opposition’s heavy hitters. Bottom-six lines are usually defensively stout in nature and this trio defines that to a tee. Their advanced metrics are high with 4.4 goals expected for to 2.9 goals expected goals against and a Corsi rating of 58.5%. I’ve used the expression of adding insult to injury – meaning to play hard, physical hockey while rubbing salt in the wounds by scoring goals and/or putting points on the board. This line can do that in spades. THE “FOURTH” LINE Andre Lee – Samuel Helenius – Trevor Lewis – Tanner Jeannot – Akil Thomas Hiller has referenced the name “Fourth” line simply as an identifier, with an inflection in his tone that indicates he's not one to use the term beyond a point of reference. I’m calling this the “Fourth” line with reverence – as, traditionally, a fourth line is used to change the tempo of the game physically. Such lines are often asked to match up with the opposition’s top-lines to wear them down before their own first line is activated. Both Lee and Helenius have been welcomed additions to the Kings, adding much needed size and youth. Jeannot has been effective in various roles with the team, this season, his physical presence always on display. Lewis, the team’s Jake Taylor, has been an invaluable member of the roster, leading young guys like Lee, Helenius, Turcotte, and Thomas – the latter a speedy, hardnosed player who can pick up where he leaves off game-in and game-out. We will likely get more combinations (even well into the playoffs). But, for now, Hiller has four solid lines who can play unique, situational hockey. Related Videos: Drew Doughty and the 4 Nations Face-Off WA-LA-4NFO-Doughty4NationsAdd
