Kevin Fiala Set To Return + 22's Impact, Managing Expectations, Doughty Expected To Play, "Kuemper's 500
LA Kings Insider • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Kings (5-9-2) will face the New York Islanders (7-6-4) on November 12 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the Kings aiming to improve their 2-3-0 record on a seven-game homestand.
- Forward Kevin Fiala returns to the Kings lineup after missing 46 games due to leg fractures, marking his first game in nine months; he is expected to play on a line with Mats Zuccarello and Quinton Byfield.
- Goaltender Darcy Kuemper is set to make his 500th NHL appearance, becoming the 87th goalie in league history to reach this milestone, with a strong career record against the Islanders.
- The Kings are managing defensive pairings carefully, with Drew Doughty expected to play after a recent maintenance day, while Erik Gustafsson remains out day-to-day.
- The Islanders enter the game on a four-game losing streak, led by defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who has 17 points this season and scored against the Kings in their previous meeting.
