ALL HART
Entering the Circus Trip, the Blackhawks were hoping for offensive contributions from their large rookie class, and a few have stepped up and grown comfortable in their roles. Vinnie Hinostroza, who started Friday's game in the top center spot due to Toews' injury, had his breakout night in Vancouver, but perhaps the most impressive rookie of the trip has been Ryan Hartman. The 2013 first-round pick, known for being a pesky player who can put up points, has three goals in five games on the Circus Trip (he was scratched in Winnipeg), including the game-winner on Friday against the Ducks. Hartman also has 12 shots on goal over the five games, while his five goals on the season share sixth among league rookies.
FORWARD THINKING
After a slow start to the season, the Kings' offense has found its groove, led by veteran Jeff Carter. The 31-year-old leads the team in goals (9) and points (17), and has found line chemistry with sniper Tyler Toffoli, who shares second on the team with 13 points, and power winger Tanner Pearson, who ranks second on the team with 7 goals. Carter was named the NHL's First Star after putting up six points (4G, 2A) in three games last week, including game-winners in three consecutive outings, but was held without a point in L.A.'s 4-2 win over the New York Islanders on Wednesday. With captain and usual points leader Anze Kopitar struggling to put up his typical numbers-he has just 9 points in 16 games this year-Carter's contributions have been paramount to the Kings' recent surge up the standings.
CAGE MATCH
Corey Crawford was back in form on Friday, turning away 34 of 36 shots for his 10th victory of the season, and he'll take a much-deserved rest on Saturday. Scott Darling will make his second start of the road trip, looking to improve on his 4-0-0 record so far this season. His last start was the thrilling comeback win in Vancouver a week ago, in which he allowed three goals on 27 shots but kept the game within reach with several spectacular saves. His opponent in L.A. will be Peter Budaj, who shares second in the league with 11 wins on the season after taking over for injured starter Jonathan Quick. Budaj has started all four games during the Kings' recent win streak, stopping 99 of 107 shots over the span (.925 save percentage).
NOTABLE ABSENCES
CHI: Jonathan Toews (upper body), Trevor van Riemsdyk (upper body), Jordin Tootoo (lower body)
LAK: Brayden McNabb (arm), Andy Andreoff (thumb)
LINES
Panarin -- Anisimov -- Kane
Hartman -- Hinostroza -- Hossa
Desjardins -- Schmaltz -- Panik
Rasmussen -- Kruger -- Motte
Keith -- Campbell
Kempny -- Seabrook
Forsing -- Hjalmarsson
Darling
Crawford
