Kings at Lightning
THE STORY: The Los Angeles Kings aren’t losing any ground despite an
offense that has produced only 14 goals in the last eight games. They
stand seventh in the Western Conference, four points out of first place
in the Pacific Division, after managing only one goal in a pair of
losses to start a six-game road trip. The Kings had two days to find
some answers before taking on the suddenly hot Tampa Bay Lightning on
Tuesday. The Lightning, last in the NHL in goals against, would seem to
be the perfect opponent for the Kings. But Tampa Bay is on a 6-0-1
streak, scoring 26 times, and are 15-7-2 at home. The Kings beat the
Lightning both games last season, one in a shootout.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network
ABOUT THE KINGS (25-18-10):
Los Angeles is averaging 2.09 goals, last in the league, and has scored
one or less in eight of the last 14 games. Coach Darryl Sutter has been
shuffling his forward units to try and create a spark, including moving
physical wing Kyle Clifford to the second line. Anze Kopitar leads the
team with 46 points, but no one else has more than 36. Center Mike
Richards has one goal in his last 18 games. Goaltender Jonathan Quick
(six shutouts) got Saturday off, so he is expected back in net against
the Lightning.
ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (23-23-5): Lost in the
excitement of Martin St. Louis’ hat trick Saturday was Vincent
Lecavalier’s first four-point night of the season. The Lightning captain
has scored 20 goals for 12 straight seasons and is on track for his
best goal production since 2007-08 when he had 40. St. Louis has a point
in nine straight games, the NHL’s longest active streak, recording 16
points. Steven Stamkos has 18 goals in 22 games. Dwayne Roloson, who has
played in only one of the last eight games, is expected to start in
goal.
OVERTIME:
1. The Kings lead the league in hits with 1,459 and Tampa Bay is 19th with 1,087.
2. St. Louis’ hat trick Saturday was the fifth of his career and first since Oct. 26, 2006.
3. Los Angeles is 4 for 11 on the power play in the last four games.