Milan Lucic returns to Staples Center to face the Los Angeles Kings for the first time since he signed with the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent on July 1. Lucic was traded to Los Angeles by the Boston Bruins prior to the 2015-16 season and made an instant impact on a team that likes to play a heavy checking game. Lucic is helping the Oilers match up to big, physical Western Conference teams like the Kings. "That's the most important thing; we've gotten a lot bigger with him," forward Jordan Eberle said. "We're tougher to play against. Maybe in the past, it hasn't suited us against specific teams where maybe we couldn't stand up. But I fully expect that we're a lot better team." Coach Todd McLellan said Lucic brings the same elements to Edmonton that he did in Los Angeles; he's a tough wing who likes to use his size but can also generate scoring chances. "He's an important part of our team," McLellan said. "The people in L.A. -- the coaches, fans and players -- know what kind of impact he can have on a nightly basis. For the most part, he's had that for us." After losing four straight games, Lucic said a win in Los Angeles could help Edmonton reverse course. "It's fun to be back," he said. "It was a lot of fun playing here, but when all is said and done, it's important to worry about our team game and getting that win tonight. It's been a bit of a tough stretch here over the last couple games, and hopefully we can turn things around here tonight." Backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson is expected to make his second start of the season, giving Cam Talbot a night off.
