Behind Enemy Lines: LA Kings vs. Nashville Predators Game Preview
By Nick Kieser
The Nashville Predators face off against the LA Kings for the first of three meetings tonight during the 2022-23 season.
The Kings are in the midst of a five-game road trip with a stop in Music City while the Nashville Predators are in search of their first home win this season.
Coming off a thrilling 5-4 OT win against the Detroit Red Wings, the Kings look to pick up two more points. Cal Peterson is the likely starting goaltender after Jonathan Quick played against the Red Wings.
Former Predator Viktor Arvidsson broke free for an empty net goal attempt with just under two minutes remaining in regulation, but Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin caught up and smacked the puck away.
This was so good that I'm legitimately disappointed the Red Wings couldn't win in OT to complete the comeback. https://t.co/X6ZnBVc1S7 pic.twitter.com/DXWuY7Nguq
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) October 18, 2022
Familiar Faces on the Kings roster as Nashville Predators look to avoid lengthy losing skid
There are a few familiar faces back in Bridgestone Arena playing roles as key players on the Kings roster.
Kevin Fiala joined the LA Kings via trade in the offseason and signed a 7-year $7.875M AAV extension after playing four seasons in Minnesota.
So far Fiala has been playing with captain Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe on the first line. The Swiss forward also plays on the first powerplay unit.
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Fiala is coming off a career year posting 85 points in 82 games. After his first 30-goal season the Wild didn’t have it in their cards to keep him and shipped him off to LA.
His first goal as a King came on his homecoming to Minnesota. He capped off the night with two assists and now has Nashville in front of him.
Viktor Arvidsson was a fan favorite in his seven seasons with the Predators. His net-front presence paid dividends when he dawned a gold jersey.
Arvidsson scored 30+ goals twice and helped the Predators break through offensively during his tenure in Nashville.
This season ‘Arvy’ can be seen on the second forward line with Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore. Don’t count him out on the powerplay too with LA’s second special team unit.
Adrian Kempe is a force to be reckoned with as well. He leads the team in scoring so far this season with four goals and six points. Kempe earned a 4-year contract over the offseason and is set to make $5.5M AAV.
Last season Kempe led the Kings with 35 goals with six coming on the powerplay. The 2014 first-round draft pick has been nothing short of impressive and has proven his goal-scoring ability is legitimate.
On the blueline, the Kings have their ace in Drew Doughty. The 2015-16 Norris Trophy winner had a shortened 21-22 season due to a right knee contusion and wrist injury which required surgery.
He’s been playing alongside Mikey Anderson on the top defensive pairing and playing first-line minutes on both the penalty kill and powerplay.
The defensive stalwart has been a versatile leader for the Kings. He’s helped the Kings get back into the playoffs after missing the postseason for the last three seasons.
Albeit Doughty missed the 21-22 postseason due to injury, now he’s healthy and ready to get back into the discussion for 22-23.
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Cal Peterson is more than likely in between the pipes for the Kings tonight after Quick dressed against the Red Wings.
The 28-year-old has one win this season but allowed six goals when visiting the Wild last Saturday night.
He’ll aim for a bounce-back performance in Nashville as the Predators aim to find the back of the night after scoring twice in as many games against Dallas.