Hurricanes and Kings Set to Clash: Projected Lineups and Game Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes and the Los Angeles Kings are set to face off tonight, October 18, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FDSNW and FDSNSO. Here's a look at the projected lineups and what to expect from this matchup.

Carolina Hurricanes Projected Lineup

The Hurricanes, currently boasting a perfect 4-0-0 record, are expected to field a similar lineup to the one that secured a 4-1 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. Goaltender Brandon Bussi is slated to make his second NHL start after a stellar debut against San Jose.

Here's the projected lineup:

• Forwards:
  • Nikolaj Ehlers - Sebastian Aho - Seth Jarvis
  • Andrei Svechnikov - Logan Stankoven - Jackson Blake
  • William Carrier - Jordan Staal - Jordan Martinook
  • Taylor Hall - Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Eric Robinson
• Defense:
  • K'Andre Miller - Sean Walker
  • Alexander Nikishin - Shayne Gostisbehere
  • Mike Reilly - Jalen Chatfield
• Goaltenders:
  • Brandon Bussi (Likely Starter)
  • Frederik Andersen

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to draw back into the lineup, while Mark Jankowski is likely to come out.

Injuries and Scratches: Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body) and Jaccob Slavin (lower body) are currently injured. Charles Alexis Legault and Mark Jankowski are expected to be scratched.

The Hurricanes' power-play units are projected as follows:

• PP1: Aho, Blake, Ehlers, Jarvis, and Gostisbehere
• PP2: Blake, Stankoven, Svechnikov, Miller, and Walker

Los Angeles Kings Projected Lineup

The Kings, with a 1-3-1 record, are looking to rebound after a series of losses. Anze Kopitar is out week-to-week with a foot injury.

Here's the projected lineup:

• Forwards:
  • Andrei Kuzmenko - Alex Laferriere - Adrian Kempe
  • Kevin Fiala - Quinton Byfield - Joel Armia
  • Warren Foegele - Phillip Danault - Trevor Moore
  • Jeff Malott - Alex Turcotte - Samuel Helenius
• Defense:
  • Brian Dumoulin - Drew Doughty
  • Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke
  • Mikey Anderson - Cody Ceci
• Goaltenders:
  • Anton Forsberg (Likely Starter)
  • Pheonix Copley

Alex Laferriere is expected to center the first line. Corey Perry is participating fully in practice and could make his season debut during the Kings' upcoming road trip.

Injuries and Scratches: Darcy Kuemper (lower body), Anze Kopitar (foot), Corey Perry (knee), and Kyle Burroughs (upper body) are currently injured. Jacob Moverare is expected to be scratched.

Keys to the Game

• Hurricanes' Hot Start: Carolina is riding a wave of momentum, having won their first four games. Their offense has been potent, averaging 4.8 goals per game, while allowing only 2 goals against.
• Kings' Struggles: Los Angeles is on a three-game losing streak and has been struggling defensively, allowing an average of 4 goals per game.
• Special Teams: The Hurricanes' power play has been a concern, while the Kings have been struggling on the penalty kill.
• Goaltending: Brandon Bussi will be looking to build on his impressive NHL debut, while Anton Forsberg needs to be solid for the Kings to have a chance.

Prediction

The Carolina Hurricanes enter the game as favorites, with a 58% chance of winning according to betting odds. Given their strong start and the Kings' recent struggles, the Hurricanes are likely to continue their winning streak.