With the Los Angeles Kings down 2-0 in their first-round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers, the team will have to overcome some key absences in Game 3. Centre Blake Lizotte and forward Kevin Fiala will both miss the game due to injury, leaving the Kings depleted against a potent Oilers squad. The absence of Lizotte is particularly concerning, as the rookie has been a key contributor for the Kings this season. Will the Kings be able to overcome these injuries and make a comeback in the series? This is a question that will be on the mind of every Kings fan as they head into a crucial Game 3.
The Los Angeles Kings will be playing without two of their key forwards, Blake Lizotte and Kevin Fiala, in Game 3 of the opening-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Edmonton Oilers. According to head coach Todd McLellan, Lizotte will miss the game due to a lower-body injury. Lizotte had a decent regular season with 34 points and 11 goals, and 23 assists in 81 games. However, he is yet to score any points in the first two games against Edmonton. Fiala, on the other hand, has been unable to play since April 1 due to a lower-body injury. He was the team’s second-highest scorer in the regular season with 72 points, recording 23 goals and 49 assists in 69 games.
During the morning skate, neither of the two participated, and Gabriel Vilardi took over Lizotte’s position in the third line between Alex Iafallo and Carl Grundstrom. With the series tied 1-1, L.A. is set to host Game 3, which will broadcast live on Sportsnet or SN NOW at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
The absence of Lizotte and Fiala is undoubtedly a significant loss for the Kings, who now face a challenging task in this must-win game. However, with their formidable players in other positions, they hope to overcome the Oilers and secure a spot in the next round.
As the Kings continue their playoff push, the absence of key players like Blake Lizotte and Kevin Fiala will certainly be felt. However, the team has shown resilience throughout the season and will look to lean on their depth to fill the void. Game 3 against the Oilers will be a test, but the Kings have proven time and time again that they are up for the challenge. It’s all on the line now, and the players are ready to leave it all on the ice. Let’s go Kings!
