Los Angeles Kings 2015-16 Regular Season:
Game 36 @ Edmonton, December 29, 2015, 6pm PST
Just one night after their convincing win in Vancouver, the Los Angeles Kings are right back to work hoping to extend their win-streak as they visit the 15-19-3 Edmonton Oilers for already the third time this season. The Kings will hope for three-in-a-row against their rivals from northern Alberta having beaten them on Oct. 25 and again on Nov. 14.
The Oilers are coming a 5-3 loss on Sunday in Calgary but are 10-5-1 on home ice this season. While they did lose to the Kings at Rexall Place back in October, the Oilers are no pushovers for a Los Angeles team that has had trouble beating non-playoff clubs. For a team which has had trouble scoring, though — outside of Monday night — a date against the Oilers may be just what the silver-and-black need. This season, the Oilers have allowed 113 goals, which ranks them third-worst in the league entering Tuesday’s matchup. Then again, the Oilers could just as easily benefit from Los Angeles’s lack of scoring. Their 91 goals thus far is good enough for a tie for 21st-overall.
Despite the latter stat, though, the Kings broke out in a huge way on Monday. Tyler Toffoli scored a hat-trick while Anze Kopitar notched four assists. Jonathan Quick had plenty of support but was solid nonetheless, recording his 40th-career shutout to put him into a three-way tie for most by an American-born netminder.
For the Oilers, Taylor Hall leads the way so far against the Kings with two goals and an assist while ex-King Teddy Purcell recorded a goal and an assist in the last meeting. Also, while he may not have scored against them this season, the Kings must still watch out for Leon Draisaitl. The sophomore has really come into his own this season scoring nine goals and adding 22 assists in 27 games. On the other end, Tanner Pearson has been leading the silver-and-black against the Oilers this season with four points (two goals, two assists).
After Jonathan Quick played on Monday, expect Jhonas Enroth to get the call between the Los Angeles pipes on Tuesday. Then again, given his shutout performance on Monday, do not dismiss the notion that Quick will get the call once again.
They are still without the aforementioned Jeff Carter but the Kings will have to force themselves to make due should they hope to remain in the win column.
This is the third of five meetings between these divisional rivals this season. The Oilers are looking to get in the win column while the Kings simply want to continue their dominance. We will see what gives.
Enjoy the game!