LA Kings vs. New York Rangers: Rittich and Quick Set to Start in the Net

In tonight's matchup against the New York Rangers, the LA Kings are hoping to close out the season series on a high note. The Kings will be led by goaltender David Rittich, who is projected to start for the third time in four games. Rittich has an impressive record against the Rangers, boasting a 2-0-0 record with a .971 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average in his previous encounters.

On the other side of the ice, the Rangers will be relying on the experienced Jonathan Quick in net. Quick has faced the Kings just once in his NHL career, back in December, where he led his team to a 4-1 victory with 25 saves.

Both teams have made some lineup changes and adjustments in preparation for tonight's game. The Kings held an optional morning skate, with several players participating in a full-team practice the day before. The Kings' forward lines will include Dubois, Kopitar, and Kempe; Moore, Danault, and Fiala; Laferriere, Byfield, and Anderson-Dolan; and Grundstrom, Lewis, Kaliyev, and Fagemo. They also have defenseman Brandt Clarke and forward Samuel Fagemo as potential lineup options.

The Rangers, who have lost five of their last seven games, will field forwards Kreider, Zibanejad, and Kakko; Panarin, Trocheck, and Lafreniere; Cuylle, Brodzinski, and Wheeler; and Goodrow, Bonino, and Vesey. The defensive pairings will consist of Lindgren and Fox, Miller and Trouba, and Gus and Schneider. Unfortunately, defenseman Erik Gustafsson will not be playing due to a lower-body injury.

It'll be an interesting matchup to watch, as the Kings have been struggling with 5-on-5 scoring and are looking for a spark. During their last game, head coach Todd McLellan made some in-game line changes, moving Pierre-Luc Dubois to the wing alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. This change was aimed at boosting offensive production and revitalizing the team's scoring efforts.

McLellan expressed confidence in Dubois' ability to adapt to the wing position, noting his recent physical engagement and strong play along the boards. The Kings are hoping that the combination of Dubois, Kopitar, and Kempe will generate more offensive opportunities and break the team's recent scoring slump. Additionally, McLellan praised young center Quinton Byfield, emphasizing his potential to drive a line with his confident and assured play.

As the Kings and Rangers take the ice tonight, both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win. With goaltenders Rittich and Quick between the pipes, it promises to be a battle of skill and determination. Kings fans will eagerly await the outcome, hoping that their team can turn their fortunes around and emerge with a victory against the struggling Rangers.