Team Records:
Canadiens: 13 - 11 - 2 (28 pts)
Kings: 14 - 11 - 4 (32 pts)
Kings Notes:
Tonight is the first game of the LA Kings' fourth set of back-to-backs this season (5-4 W, Oct. 17 at DET and 4-3 W, Oct. 18 at NSH // 5-1 W, Oct. 31 at STL and 5-2 L Nov. 1 at DAL // 4-1 L, Nov. 18 at VAN and 3-2 OTL, Nov. 19 at SEA). Prior to today, the Kings are 3-2-1 in back-to-backs (2-1 in first game, 1-1-1 in second game).
Phillip Danault returns to Montreal for the second time since signing with the LA Kings on July 28, 2021. Prior to singing with the LA Kings, Danault played parts of six seasons with the Canadiens organization (2016-21), skating in 360 games with 54 goals and 140 assists for 194 points.
Anze Kopitar's even-strength FOW% of 61.3% on the season ranks second in the league and is one of three skaters over 60% (min EV FO's: 315) while his overall FOW% sits fourth (min. FO's: 400). At 22,983 career faceoffs, Kopitar is 17 shy of becoming the fourth player in league history to take at least 23,000 faceoffs.
The LA Kings are 10-1-0 (.909%) when leading after two periods of play this season.
Canadiens Notes:
The Canadiens are 3-3-1 against the Pacific Division this season and are coming off of a 4-2 victory against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday.
Cole Caufield leads the Canadiens in goals (15) and has found the back of the net in three of his last four games.
The Canadians power play ranks 30th in the NHL (16.2%).
The Canadiens penalty kill ranks 11th in the NHL (79.8%).
Who to Watch:
Kevin Fiala, who leads the Kings in points (30) and has recorded a multi-point game in three of his last five outings.
Nick Suzuki, who leads the Canadiens in assists (14) and points (15) in 26 games.
