Mon Dec 30 02:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Flyers Look to Avenge Loss, Face Tough Kings Test in LA

**LOS ANGELES, CA** – The Philadelphia Flyers (16-16-4) will attempt to rebound from a previous loss when they face the Los Angeles Kings (20-10-5) at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. EST. The game, the second of a five-game road trip, will be televised on NBCSP and broadcast on 97.5 The Fanatic.

The Flyers are looking for revenge after a 7-3 defeat against the Kings in December. That game saw Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala each score twice for Los Angeles, while Tyson Foerster netted two goals for Philadelphia. Noah Cates also began his current five-game goal streak in that contest.

However, the Flyers’ previous encounter was marked by a collapse in the third period. After a competitive first two periods, a late second-period goal by Kopitar tied the game, followed by a Warren Foegele goal early in the third, spurred a four-goal barrage by the Kings. The Flyers’ struggles were attributed to defensive breakdowns, poor puck management, and subpar goaltending.

Philadelphia showed improvement in a 3-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, fueled by a strong performance from goaltender Samuel Ersson. However, with Sunday’s game being the second of a back-to-back, Aleksei Kolosov is expected to start in net for the Flyers. Kolosov had a rough outing against the Kings in December, allowing 26 of 26 shots.

Despite their offensive struggles on the power play (14.9% success rate this season), the Flyers will need a better performance against a Kings penalty kill that ranks tied for 12th in the league (81.1%). Cates’ continued strong play, along with the consistent performance of the Foerster-Brink-Cates line, will be key for Philadelphia.

The Kings, led by Anze Kopitar (37 points) and Adrian Kempe (16 goals, +17 rating), present a formidable challenge. Kempe, despite having four shots on goal in the last meeting, was held scoreless. The Flyers will need a much improved defensive performance to prevent a repeat of their previous defeat.

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