Livescore
The Los Angeles Kings conclude a quick two-game homestand against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
LA comes into this matchup after a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday.
This is the second of a four-game road trip for Florida who beat the Anaheim Ducks yesterday, 5-2.
In their last ten meetings, the Kings are 6-3-1 against the Panthers, including a shootout victory on March 13, 2022.
RETURN BEFORE BREAK: DOUGHT-FUL
Kings Defenseman Drew Doughty, injured in the preseason against the Vegas Golden Knights, has resumed skating with the team. Yesterday, he was in a red non-contact jersey before suiting up in a white full-contact jersey this morning.
Very cool moment seeing Doughty skating with his twin brother Phillip Danault! Anywho…
According to Kings Head Coach Jim Hiller, there’s not set date for Doughty’s return. But, he will travel with the team on their upcoming five-game road trip – this season’s dad’s trip.
Before that road trip kicks off on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Doughty will likely be in the building to watch his teammates battle a familiar foe: Matthew Tkachuk.
CHUK THE KNUCKS
To those unaware of the Doughty-Tkachuk rivalry, check out this highlight reel:
“I have lots of friends on other teams and they don’t love him either. […] He’s entertaining for you guys. But, he’s not respected by most of the people in the league. It’s not just me, that’s just a fact. […] No respect for him. None. I respect everyone else. I’ll never talk to him off the ice.” – Drew Doughty on Matthew Tkachuk
Kings fans will always have an asterisk next to Tkachuk’s name. Every game matters in the win/loss column. But, a victory tonight, coupled with a shutdown performance against Tkachuk, would really ignite the fanbase.
It does appear the rivalry has cooled off since Tkachuk was traded from the Calgary Flames; Doughty even joking that Tkachuk didn’t run away from him, rather, he was just collecting a bigger paycheck.
Still, any game against Tkachuk is one to take notice of.
MOORE-IDA
Kings Forward Trevor Moore comes into this contest riding a three-game point streak against the Florida Panthers with two goals and two assists in that span.
In eight career matchups versus the Panthers, Moore has recorded six points (3G, 3A) with an even +/- rating of zero.
Puck drop is slated for 7:05 PM PST. You can watch the game on television via TNT or listen live with the ESPN LA app.
Related Videos: LA Kings Weekly Preview
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