On Wednesday, February 4, the Los Angeles Kings will host the Seattle Kraken at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking the first of two consecutive games before the three-week Winter Olympic break. The Kings, led by new general manager Ken Holland, face a critical moment to improve their standing in the Pacific Division, especially at home, where they have struggled this season.
This matchup gains additional attention following a major trade earlier Wednesday, when Holland acquired forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers to bolster the Kings’ lineup. With both teams competing for position in the Western Conference, tonight’s game carries significant weight ahead of the impending pause for the Olympics.
Broadcast and Streaming Options for the Kings vs. Kraken Game
The Kings vs. Kraken game will begin at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Fans can watch the game live on the FanDuel Sports Network West (FDSN) regional channel, with streaming available through ESPN+. For those preferring audio, the radio broadcast can be accessed via the ESPN LA app, providing multiple ways to follow the action.
Los Angeles Kings’ Roster Expected to Take the Ice Against Seattle
The Kings’ forwards likely to participate in the game include Trevore Moore, Anze Kopitar, and Joel Armia on the top line, with Corey Perry, Alex Laferriere, and Adrian Kempe also contributing. Additional forwards such as Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield, and Andrei Kuzmenko provide depth, while Jeff Malott, Sammy Helenius, Taylor Ward, and Warren Foegele round out the group, with Ward noted as a healthy scratch.
The defensive lineup features Brian Dumoulin paired with Drew Doughty, and Joel Edmundson alongside Brandt Clarke. Jacob Moverare and Cody Ceci form another defensive pair, with Joe Hicketts also expected to be available.
In goal, Darcy Kuemper is projected to start for the Kings, with Anton Forsberg serving as backup.
Projected Starting Goaltenders for Tonight’s Contest
Darcy Kuemper will guard the net for the Kings as they face the Seattle Kraken, whose crease is expected to be defended by Joey Daccord. This goaltender matchup will be crucial to how each team performs in this interdivisional encounter.
Implications of the Game Ahead of the Olympic Break
With the season temporarily pausing for the Winter Olympics, both teams aim to strengthen their positions in the Pacific Division standings. The Kings’ ability to secure home victories has been inconsistent, intensifying the pressure on coach Jim Hiller and his roster to perform well tonight. Meanwhile, the Kraken look to capitalize on this opportunity to extend their run.
The recent addition of Artemi Panarin introduces an element of uncertainty and hope for the Kings, suggesting possible improvements in their offensive capabilities as the season enters this critical phase. How both teams respond will influence their momentum heading into the three-week hiatus and beyond.
