GAMEDAY: LA Kings @ Tampa Bay Lightning

What you need to know ahead of tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning -

When: Thursday, December 18 @ 4:00 PM PST
Where: Amalie Arena - Tampa Bay, FLA

Watch: FanDuel Sports Network
Listen: ESPN LA App & LA Kings App

5️⃣ Things To Know For Today's Game

1. The Kings conclude a three-game roadtrip in the South, still in search of their first victory, as they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Amalie Arena.
2. Tonight's game will conclude the fifth set of back-to-backs this season for the Kings. Thus far, Los Angeles is 3-0-1 on the second half of back-to-backs this season, earning 1.75 points-per-game. That number ranks third in the NHL, trailing only Dallas and Ottawa.
3. Per Head Coach Jim Hiller, the Kings could make some lineup changes tonight, but a final decision will come closer to puck drop. That includes tonight's starting goaltender, which comes down to the decision to play Anton Forsberg in back-to-back games or Pheonix Copley, who would be in line to make his season debut between the pipes if he plays tonight.
4. Los Angeles forward Kevin Fiala moved into the team lead in goals during last night's loss in Florida, as he buried his 12th goal of the season against the Panthers. Fiala is one of two Kings players in double-figures this season, along with Adrian Kempe, and he is currently on pace for his second consecutive season with 30+ goals.
5. Defenseman Mikey Anderson has found the back of the net two years running against Tampa Bay, including a goal in January when these teams met in California. Anderson is tied with Drew Doughty for the lead on the Kings this season with a +9 rating, despite the team having a negative goal differential overall.

Last Game's 👑 Lineup ⬇️

Players to Watch

Kings - Joel Armia: Armia once again found the back of the net in a special-teams situation last night in Florida, as he opened the scoring in the first period with a power-play goal. Armia is tied with forward Adrian Kempe for the team-lead in goals this month and is on pace for a career-high 20 goals for the season as a whole.

Lightning - Brandon Hagel: Hagel led Tampa Bay last season against the Kings with two goals and three points from the two head-to-head matchups. Hagel has six points (4-2-6) in total against the Kings since he joined the Lightning organization. Hagel leads the Lightning this season with 18 goals and ranks third on the team with 31 points.

For a full game preview of today's action, as well as coverage of the 2025-26 LA Kings season, visit LAKingsInsider.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS & PROMOTIONS