Nashville Predators
The Predators are 13-5-1 after completing their 5 game road trip with a 2-2-1 result. They’ve dropped their last three games, so expect them to try to get back in the saddle in front of their fans tonight.
P.K. Subban and Viktor Arvidsson remain on injured reserve. There’s no telling if Ryan Hartman was injured on the head-hunting shoulder check from Josh Archibald. While Archibald only received a minor penalty for his hit, many contend that his hit should have at least resulted in a major penalty.
Pekka Rinne looked less than stellar against the Coyotes. However, Michael Grabner’s goal was bouncy. Will Juuse Saros and Rinne get their mojo back in the 615? Will the team get their mojo back?
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are 5-11-1 on the season. They’ve been struggling and sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division.
KHL star Ilya Kolvalchuk leads the Kings in points with 14 (5 goals, 9 assists). He signed with the Kings this summer after a few seasons in the KHL. Jeff Carter has 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists), and Drew Doughty leads defensemen with 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists).
The L.A. Kings made a significant trade earlier this week. They traded Tanner Pearson to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Carl Hagelin. Both players needed a change of scenery. Hagelin could be in the lineup tonight.
The Kings have begun the season in the worst possible way. After dropping way too many games in a row, they fired head coach John Stevens and placed Willie Dejardins behind the bench as interim head coach.
Starting goaltender Jonathan Quick is injured, leaving Peter Budaj and Cal Petersen to split goaltending duties. The second-in-line goalie Jack Campbell is also injured and has undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The Kings are using their third and fourth-line goalies recalled from the Ontario Reign. What’s more, Budaj missed last night’s game due to illness. If he’s out again today the Kings’ troubles in goal have gotten even worse.
As a side note, the Kings released a third jersey yesterday. It’s silver and pretty cool:
They have arrived. Get your LA Kings Silver @adidashockey jersey online or at the @teamlastore now! #ADIZERO pic.twitter.com/Of76fQ34fp
— LA Kings (@LAKings) November 16, 2018
Memories and Feelings
- Erase the last three games out of my head, please.
- DO SOMETHING ON THE POWER PLAY, PLEASE! /
Reasons to Watch
- Saturday night hockey!!!! The Predators will look to get back to their winning ways against the struggling Kings. /
Tonight’s Theme Song
“Royals” by Lorde
The Kings might be in town, but we have Prince Filip and King Rinne.
Tonight’s Drink of Choice
Rum and Coke. I’m feeling like we should get back to the basics.
Kings Social Media
- @LAKings
- @BaileyLAKings (LA’s mascot)
- @JFTC_Kings (Jewels from the Crown, SB Nation) /
How to Watch
Tonight’s game at Bridgestone is at a not-late time of 7:00 Central. Catch the broadcast on FS-TN or hear the radio call on 102.5 The Game.