Kings vs Islanders Game 60: Lines, Notes & How to Watch

The Los Angeles Kings need a win tonight against the New York Islanders Friday to avoid dropping three in a row. 

A loss Friday would also give the Seattle Kraken a chance to make ground on them in the standings, as Sean Durzi said after Thursday's game, "everybody's got to be desperate for points."

I'd expect a few lineup changes on the second night of a back-to-back. 

Alex Edler will likely draw in for Tobias Bjornfot, Jonathan Quick should have the net and the fourth will be shaken up. 

The fourth line is the most interesting potential change. After Thursday's game, Todd McLellan said this of his fourth line:

"Maybe not enough players tonight to roll four lines. Our fourth line got beat up a little bit and that was a little disappointing."

With Trevor Moore listed as day-to-day and Carl Grundstrom still on IR at the time of writing. Brendan Lemieux is the only option for McLellan if he wants to make a change. Leaving one of Jaret Anderson-Dolan or Arthur Kaliyev without a spot. 

The Islanders have won two straight heading into Friday's matchup and have an extra days rest, making this a tough game for Los Angeles. 

Expected Los Angeles Kings Lines:

Quinton Byfield-Anze Kopitar-Adrian Kempe

Kevin Fiala-Phil Danault-Viktor Arvidsson

Alex Iafallo-Blake Lizotte-Gabe Vilardi

Brendan Lemieux-Rasmus Kupari-Jaret Anderson-Dolan

Defense:

Mikey Anderson-Drew Doughty

Sean Durzi-Matt Roy 

Alex Edler-Sean Walker

Goalies:

Jonathan Quick

Pheonix Copley

Expected New York Islanders Lines, Per NYIHockeynow.com:

Anders Lee-Bo Horvat-Matt Martin

Zach Parise-Brock Nelson-Kyle Palmieri

Hudson Fasching-Casey Cizikas-Arnaud Durandeau

Ross Johnston-Otto Koivula-Simon Holmstrom

Defense:

Adam Pelech-Scott Mayfield

Alexander Romanov-Ryan Pulock

Sebastian Aho-Noah Dobson

Goalies: 

Ilya Sorokin

Semyon Varlamov

Special Teams:

Los Angeles Kings Power Play: 51-197, 25.89%, 3rd in NHL

Los Angeles Kings Penalty Kill: 49-200, 75.50%, 24th in NHL

New York Islanders Power Play: 29-174, 16.67%, 28th in NHL

New York Islanders Penalty Kill: 32-177, 81.92%, 6th in NHL

Los Angeles Kings Pregame Notes:

• Tonight is the second game of the Kings’ ninth set of back-to-backs this season. Prior to this weekend, the team is 9-4-3 in back-to-backs (6-2-0 in the first game, 3-2-3 in the second).
• The Kings have won three of their last four against the Islanders (3-1-0), dating back to Nov. 27, 2019.
• Viktor Arvidsson (1-0=1) tallied his 17th goal of the season last night for his 40th point of the year (17-23=40). It is his second 40-point campaign in as many seasons and the fifth of his career.
• The Kings have points in their last four consecutive games against Metro Division opponents (3-4 OTL at NJD on Feb. 23; 6-0 W vs. PIT on Feb. 11; 5-4 OTL at CAR on Feb. 31; 4-3 OTW at PHI on Feb. 24).
• Forward Alex Iafallo skates into UBS Arena with points in five of his last six games against the Islanders (2-4=6).

How to Watch:

TV: Bally Sports West, ESPN+; Radio: iHeartRadio