Game (and Trade) Day Watch: Kings, Golden Knights, and The Deadline Overshadowing It All

HOW TO WATCH

Game Time: 7:30 PM Pacific
TV: Fox Sports West
Radio: KABC AM 790
Stream: Fox Sports Go (requires cable subscription)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

if you’re a Kings fan: Did LA go for it? You’ll know soon. Rumors continue to swirl around Max Pacioretty and (please not) Evander Kane [UPDATE: off the board], though LA’s refusal to give away key pieces make either deal a stretch unless Rob Blake changes his philosophy. Would the Kings be willing to let go of a prized prospect, such as Gabriel Vilardi or Kale Clague, in order to make another run?

Even if the Kings don’t do anything crazy, the fans have every reason to focus on this back-to-back; LA still hasn’t beaten the Knights in the regular season.

if you’re a Golden Knights fan: Did Vegas go for it? You’ll know soon. Everyone is waiting to see if Erik Karlsson moves, and with San Jose and Vegas as rumored destinations you should definitely be at least a little nervous. The Knights’ stunning run to the top of the standings is testing their long-term outlook; will George McPhee trade any of his assets to get one of the world’s best defensemen? And are they willing to take Bobby Ryan to be the twin albatross to David Clarkson?

Even if the Knights don’t do anything crazy, the fans have every reason to focus on this back-to-back; LA’s their rival, remember?

if you’re a hockey fan: Trades first, hockey later. Once you’re ready to watch this one, though, hope for a Kings win to increase the intrigue tomorrow.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

for the Kings: Nate Thompson. Somewhat predictably, the Kings are using Thompson — who has 13 points in 49 games — more heavily than expected. Somewhat unpredictably, he’s got two assists in six games, and he’s now getting third line minutes. I assume this lasts only until Trevor Lewis returns, but it’s still odd.

for the Golden Knights: Colin Miller. I miss Colin Miller.

LEAGUE/WORLDWIDE WATCH

• Late-breaking news: Evander Kane has been traded to the San Jose Sharks. LA won’t face the Sharks again during the regular season and he is apparently a pure rental, so it only affects the Kings indirectly... or in the playoffs.
• Here’s your trade tracker so far.
• America’s favorite hockey team is dropping the puck at Staples tonight!/

THIS JUST IN: The Women's @usahockey Team will be dropping the puck at tonight's LA Kings game 😍

BE THERE > https://t.co/Dz1o58M1Op pic.twitter.com/fxiaVTz9OX

— LA Kings (@LAKings) February 26, 2018

WATCH THIS

Thx Bud Alert!

Surprise!! One of us is going live on the LA Kings' Facebook page in just a few minutes! 🙌 Watch @chanelleberlin with @theroyalhalf (UNMASKED 👀) here: https://t.co/0TsmfTbK3l

— THX BUD (@thxbud) February 26, 2018