3 Game Essentials | Kings (43-22-10) at Kraken (41-25-8) | 7 p.m.

Time: 7:00 p.m. PT | Watch: ROOT SPORTS Plus | Listen: 93.3 KJR
##### One: LA Story
The Kings arrive for Saturday's divisional matchup with a bit of adversity after an extended hot streak. After setting a franchise record (LA joined the NHL in the last 1960s) 12-game standings point streak (going 10-0-2), the Kings dropped a 2-1 game in Calgary on Tuesday and were shut out by Stuart Skinner (43 saves) at Edmonton on Thursday to drop to the third place (96 points in 75 games played), one point behind EDM and three in back of Pacific leader Vegas. Los Angeles will be motivated to get back in the win column, especially in the effort to gain home-ice advantage in a likely first-round series with Edmonton if not to still take a run at finishing first in the division.
Kevin Fiala, who came over from Minnesota in a big trade last summer and immediately signed a seven-year contract for 7.875 million average annual value, has delivered 22 goals and 48 assists to lead his new team in scoring. Still-strong Anze Kopitar, 35, has 66 points and has played with top goal scorer Adrian Kempe (36 goals) and budding young pro Quinton Byfield.

LA, loaded with top-level defensemen, experienced goaltender issues earlier in the season but now appear well-fortified with Joonas Korpisalo (traded from Columbus and producing elite stats in his first six games) and journeyman Phoenix Copley, who was streaky good earlier in 2023 as the third goalie in the rotation.
Watch: Youtube Video
##### Two: Veteran Move
In Thursday's home win, the Kraken started strong with a two-goal first period and 15 shots on goal while keeping Anaheim's young, talented forwards in check. Seattle's second-period effort was not consistently energetic and definitely less efficient on the forecheck and backcheck elements that are integral to Dave Hakstol's systems of play.

The period took a dangerous turn when Anaheim scored with just more than a minute remaining. Suddenly, it seemed a victory might be in peril, especially with Ducks backup goalie Lukas Dostal settled into a strong outing.
All season, Hakstol has emphasized the veteran leadership and presence in the Kraken locker room. During the second intermission, those veterans (not only the alternate captains) spoke up about what went wrong in the middle 20 minutes.
"We had a little talk obviously," said Schwartz. "We know what our game looks like when it's on. When we're sitting back, it's not as good. We've got a veteran group in here. Guys know how to make adjustments and know how to bear down. We did a good job of that [in the third period of Thursday's win]. Everybody knew we had to get back moving and get back to our game."
Expect similar sessions during intermissions if needed down this stretch run for a playoff bid.
##### Three: Divisional Math
The Kraken have compiled a 12-8-2 record against Pacific Division foes this season and have beaten each of their division rivals at least once. After facing the Kings, Seattle has three divisional games remaining: at Vancouver Tuesday and a road-and-home series with Vegas on April 12 and 14 to end the regular season.