Kings at Hurricanes
THE STORY: After sweeping aside the reigning Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins, the Carolina Hurricanes will return to the ice to face a team which has traditionally had their number. The Los Angeles Kings will visit the Tar Heel State on Saturday searching for their fourth straight victory over the Hurricanes. Los Angeles skated to a 4-3 triumph in the teams' last meeting on Oct. 20, 2010. While Carolina has certainly had its fair share of troubles this season, coach Kirk Muller was pleased with what he saw during Thursday's 3-0 victory over the Bruins. "It was probably the best game we have played all year,” Muller said. “Guys get excited to play the Stanley Cup champs. Seems to bring out the best in our game." On Saturday, Muller will see if that effort carries over against the Kings.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHLN, FSW
ABOUT THE KINGS (25-17-10): Los Angeles opened its six-game road trip with a 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday. Anze Kopitar has struggled as of late with just one goal in his last five contests, but seems to get healthy against the Hurricanes. The Kings' team leader, who has 15 goals this season, has recorded five points in his last three matches versus Carolina. Los Angeles coach Darryl Sutter will see nephew Brandon on Saturday. Brandon, who is the son of Calgary Flames coach Brent Sutter, has collected 12 goals and 10 assists this season with the Hurricanes.
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (19-25-9): Carolina has certainly righted the ship at home, secured 15 of a possible 20 points in its last 10 games (7-2-1) at the RBC Center. G Cam Ward was the primary reason for the Hurricanes' latest triumph as he stopped 47 shots versus Boston. Ward has won his only career decision versus the Kings.
OVERTIME:
1. With six more sets of back-to-back contests this season, Jonathan Bernier may be in line for a rare cameo on Saturday. All-Star Jonathan Quick has started 44 of 52 games this season.
2. Carolina LW Chad LaRose sat out versus Boston with an illness. He is questionable to play on Saturday.