With backup Antti Raanta sidelined, Lundqvist is expected to get the start Monday against the Kings. Lundqvist is 3-4-2 against the Kings for his career, though he's allowed two goals or fewer in four of his last seven games against Los Angeles.
Forward Rick Nash has three assists in four games against the Kings since becoming a Ranger, while Kevin Hayes has tallied a point in all four games he's played against the Kings, including a goal in each of his last three.
Monday is the first of two games between the Kings and Rangers. Los Angeles won both meetings last season, though the Rangers scored three goals each in both games.
Los Angeles comes into Monday's meeting with the Rangers on a three-game losing streak, including a 4-2 loss Saturday against the Islanders in Brooklyn. They're 5-5 in their last 10 and currently sit three points out of the last Wild Card slot in the Western Conference, and 12 points out of third in the Pacific Division.
Los Angeles has struggled to score goals this season with just 115 in 46 games, which is 11th in the Western Conference. Jeff Carter has 24 goals and 41 points to lead the team, but then things decline a bit. Defenseman Drew Doughty is having a great season with 25 points, as is Alec Martinez with 25 points of his own.
Captain Anze Kopitar has just four goals in 40 games, while Tanner Pearson has 24 points in 44 contests.
Los Angeles' star netminder Jonathan Quick has appeared in just one game this season following a groin injury that required surgery. Peter Budaj has carried the load with 38 starts this season and has performed well. He's 20-14-3 with a 2.14 GAA and a .916 SV% with four shutouts.
