The Need to Knows
- The Time: 7pm PT
- The Place: Climate Pledge Arena in beautiful Seattle, WA
- Place to Watch: ESPN, SportsNet 360
- Place to Listen: Kraken Audio Network via IHeartRadio and KJR 93.3-FM
Know Your Enemy
- The Kings will be playing the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have a record of 47-24-9.
- Adrian Kempe has come out as the leader for the Kings, with a 71 point season in 80 games.
- Kevin Fiala has had an incredible year in the Kings’ season; he’s got a team leading 35 goals in 79 games.
- I’m gonna be real, while the combo of David Rittich/
Game Preview and Final Thoughts
The Kings will likely be icing a roster that looks a bit more similar to the Ontario Reign than the LA Kings today, and the reason is something we’ll get into, but let’s make it clear; they’re not thinking about today, or tomorrow. They’re thinking about next week and every week after it. And a bunch of weeks in April/May from years’ prior.
Which brings us…to today.
The Kraken may as well ice any lineup they choose, as they’ll only be playing for pride. It’s been a disappointing, whirlwind season where a lot of reflecting on the past has only led to further disappointment on how avoidable some of it felt. I choose instead to focus on the good parts, the unquestionable reality of Shane Wright belonging in this club, the burgeoning chemistry between Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers, Beniers’ defensive acumen continuing to develop, Jaden Schwartz’ incredible year as a goal scorer, Jani Nyman’s shot becoming a lethal and welcome addition to the power play, Joey Daccord in general, the work of Brandon Montour…there is some light in this tunnel, it’s just been overshadowed by all the trains we keep getting hit by.
There is…a lot to unpack when it comes to the team as it stands and where it needs to go this offseason, but that’s on the other side of 60 minutes of hockey. If there is anything that the Kraken can play for tonight, it’s the ability to win the season series over the Kings; Seattle has beaten Los Angeles twice now, and
So let’s do it one more time this season, and begin dreaming of a better one. Let’s go Kraken, Let’s Go Squids.