The Los Angeles Kings will be without forward Andrei Kuzmenko for Thursday's game against the Edmonton Oilers due to injury. Kuzmenko is expected to return in time for Saturday's matchup against the Calgary Flames. Despite not playing in the third period against Vegas on February 5th, he recently improved his performance, netting four points in his last three games. His absence adds to the Kings’ challenges as they also lose Kevin Fiala, who is sidelined with leg fractures. In his place, Taylor Ward is set to step up, although the Kings will rely heavily on Artemi Panarin to fill the scoring gap.

By the Numbers
  • Kuzmenko has 13 goals and 25 points in 52 games this season.
  • He registered four points in his last three games before the injury.
State of Play
  • The Kings are currently missing key players Kuzmenko and Fiala, impacting their lineup significantly.
  • Los Angeles is looking to Artemi Panarin, who had two assists in his debut, to bolster their scoring.
What's Next

Kuzmenko's recovery timeline will determine his readiness for Saturday’s game against Calgary, which the Kings need to win to regain momentum. Ward's performance will also be closely monitored as he fills in for Kuzmenko, and the team hopes Panarin can maintain his scoring streak.

Bottom Line

The Kings face a critical moment with injuries affecting their depth; how they adapt without Kuzmenko and Fiala will be pivotal for their playoff aspirations this season.