Jim Hiller has never been shy about experimenting with his line combinations, but today’s alignment is a little strange even for him. This is how the Los Angeles Kings lined up during their team skate this morning:
Foegele – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore-Byfield-Jeannot
FIala – Helenius – Laferriere
Turcotte-Danault-Lewis
Related: Kings Danault continues to shine in its third season
In case you’re keeping score at home, these are virtually four completely new lines. The only trio that has had at least one minute of ice time together at 5-on-5 is the top line with Warren Foegele to the left of Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. The other three combinations only recorded ice time together due to delays in changing lines.
There was another notable change during the morning skate, albeit more under the radar. Alex Turcotte has been placed on the second power play unit, replacing Jordan Spence.
After his worst performance of the season, Dave Rittich is the confirmed starter for tonight as the Kings host the Winnipeg Jets.
