A month after an overtime loss, the Kings view Thursday’s home game as a measuring‑stick to gauge progress.
Key points
- The Kings view the Thursday game as a "measuring‑stick" to assess whether early‑season struggles are improving.
- Darcy Kuemper is slated to start in goal, bringing a strong personal record against San Jose.
- Brandt Clarke is cleared to play after a minor facial injury, a key factor for the defensive unit.
- Kenny Connors’ line with Armia and Haula could provide the two‑way play the Kings need.
The Los Angeles Kings (4‑7‑2) open their Pacific Division homestand against the San Jose Sharks (7‑8‑1) on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Crypto.com Arena. Both clubs entered the matchup with identical 4‑5‑1 records over their last ten games, and the Kings have yet to win a divisional or conference game this season, making the contest a litmus test for any signs of improvement.
Coach Todd McLellan is expected to stick with goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who earned his second start of the homestand and holds a 10‑5‑5 lifetime record against San Jose with a .909 save percentage. The projected lineup features Artemi Panarin, Adam Laferriere, Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield, Joel Armia, Erik Haula, Kenny Connors, and defensemen like Brandt Clarke, Matt Doughty and Noah Forsberg. Forward Samuel Helenius and defenseman Cody Ceci are listed as healthy scratches, while Kevin Fiala, Mats Zuccarello and Alex Turcotte remain out and would need activation to play.
Lineup and goaltending outlook
Defence man Brandt Clarke has endured a string of facial injuries this week, including a stick to the eye that left him unable to open it for about thirty minutes. Clarke told fans on Twitter, “I’m in full health right now. I’m not banged up. Just looking forward to the game tonight,” after confirming he was cleared to play. His recent injury history has been a concern, but the team hopes his return will bolster the blue line.
Kenny Connors, a two‑way forward, discussed his fit alongside Joel Armia and Erik Haula, noting the chemistry he shares with the Finns from international play. “Both of those guys have really good hockey brains and that definitely just makes it easier on me too,” Connors said. Armia echoed the sentiment, praising Connors’ hockey IQ and skating ability, suggesting the line could become a steady third‑line option if the pieces click.
Injury updates and player roles
The evening also marks the debut of the Kings’ purple Hometown Remix jerseys, the first of seven home games this season to feature the special design. The jerseys will be worn for the next six Wednesdays, with the exception of Anze Kopitar’s jersey‑retirement ceremony in February.
Reader questions
What time does the Kings‑Sharks game start?
The matchup is scheduled for 7:00 PM Pacific time on Nov. 4, with a live video feed on TNT and HBO Max.
Who is expected to start in goal for Los Angeles?
Darcy Kuemper is projected to be the starting goaltender for the Kings.
Why are the purple jerseys significant?
They are part of the Hometown Remix series and will be worn for the first of seven home games this season, highlighting a special fan‑focused design.
Source: lakingsinsider.com
