Game 26 Preview: Flyers look to build on recent performances as they take on the Kings

The Philadelphia Flyers (8-13-4) will look to end their current six game slide as they search for a win against the Los Angeles Kings (14-7-5). This is the second and final meeting between the Flyers and Kings this season and is the final game of the team's California swing. Game time is 4:00.

The first two games of the current trip have had mixed results. Tuesday night saw the team play the better of the two games. Unfortunately Matt Nieto's goal with 11 seconds left in the third, gave San Jose a 2-1 win. 

Wednesday night's affair in Anaheim was a little more wide open. Wayne Simmonds scored with 2 seconds left in regulation to salvage a point as the the Flyers fell to the Ducks in the shootout 5-4.

The game Wednesday displayed a more balanced effort. Simmonds netted two goals, R.J. Umberger also found his way on the score sheet with a power play goal. Michael Raffl scored his first goal since returning from injury as well.

It is another new game and it appears it will be another different lineup. Craig Berube had Michael Del Zotto paired with Andrew MacDonald in practice yesterday. Luke Schenn appeared to be the odd man out yet again.

Umbereger was moved back to the line with Matt Read and Sean Couturier as Zac Rinaldo was moved back down to the fourth line. Umbereger has arguablly played his best hockey of the season over the last five periods since being demoted to the fourth line.

Steve Mason was not as sharp on Wednesday night but still played well. Mason has the team's lone win in the last ten and his play has been much better than his record dictates. He figures to get the start again today.

The secret to the Kings is no secret. They rely on sound defense, timely scoring and outstanding goaltending.

Offensively, the Kings are lead by Tyler Toffoli, 10 goals and 10 assists, and Jeff Carter, 7 goals and 11 assists. Toffoli is tied for the team lead in goals with  Tanner Pearson.

The defense is anchored by Drew Doughty and Stanley Cup clinching goal scorer Alec Martinez. Matinez leds the defense corps with 10 points.

The Kings also have the luxury of having one of the best goalies in the world. Jonathan Quick has been outstanding again this season. Quick is 11-5-4 with 2.15 goals against average and a .933 save percentage with 3 shutouts. He figures to get the start today.

Game Notes

• Power Play: Flyers (4th, 17th on road), Kings (18th, 15th at home) 
  
• Penalty Kill: Flyers (30th, 30th on road), Kings (9th, 3rd at home) 
• This is the second and final meeting between the two teams. Philadelphia won at home 3-2 in overtiime back on October 28th
  
• Milestone Watch: R.J. Umberger needs one assist for 200 in his career.
  

Flyers scratches: Vincent Lecavalier, Carlo Colaiacovo, Luke Schenn

Flyers Projected Lineup

Line 1: Michael Raffl-Claude Giroux-Jake Voracek
Line 2: Brayden Schenn-Scott Laughton-Wayne Simmonds
Line 3: R.J. Umberger-Sean Couturier-Matt Read
Line 4:Zac Rinaldo–Pierre-Edouard Bellemare-Chris VandeVelde

D-Pair 1: Nick Grossmann-Mark Streit
D-Pair 2: Braydon Coburn-Nick Schultz
D-Pair 3:Andrew MacDonald-Michael Del Zotto 

Goalie: Steve Mason

Where to Watch:

TV: CSN Philly

Listen : 97.5 The Fanatic

Bill Minchin is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow Bill on twitter @wtfd103074