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Game Day Watch, 2/27: Los Angeles Kings @ Minnesota Wild

HOW TO WATCH

Game Time: 5:00 PM Pacific
TV: NBCSN
Radio: KABC AM 790
Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra (requires cable subscription)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

if you’re a Kings fan: Ben Bishop is not in your lineup! He will be on the bench, though, so enjoy all the cutaways to a very tall goaltender on the bench. It’s actually kind of nice that this is a national game, as they’ll have a lot to say about the Kings’ trade.

if you’re a Wild fan: Martin Hanzal is in your lineup! He and the Kings have history, which will certainly be renewed today. I think you’ll enjoy having him on your team, even if you paid way too much to get him.

if you’re a hockey fan: Still hard to believe there is a 20-point gap between these two squads. If you’re scouting, don’t hold your breath, as no valuable pieces will be leaving either team. If you like watching Western teams on national television that aren’t Chicago, or if you’ve ignored every Wild-Kings game in the past due to high chances of boredom, you’re in luck; this should be a good one.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

for the Kings: Marian Gaborik. The former Wild captain returns to Minnesota and will be in the lineup after being scratched for Saturday’s win over the Ducks. Despite Gaborik’s struggles, he’ll be counted on to produce down the stretch. Where better to start producing than in a place where he produced for years?

for the Wild: Ryan White. The forgotten man in the Martin Hanzal trade will debut on Hanzal’s wing today. White had seven goals in 46 games for the Coyotes, and Arizona GM John Chayka reportedly was reluctant to let him go.

LEAGUE WATCH (okay, TRADE WATCH)

WATCH THIS

There are a ton of Bishop analysis videos, but I wanted to find something a little more unusual.

So, here’s Ben Bishop losing two teeth earlier this season.

Talking Points