Islanders, Kings Set for Pacific Showdown LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The surging New York Islanders will look to continue their push in the standings when they visit the struggling Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. The Islanders (35-26-0) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a 5-4 victory over Florida on Sunday. Center Bo Horvat, a key player to watch, scored a goal in that win and has recorded three points in his last three appearances. He anchors an offense that has averaged 3.6 goals per game during its current 7-3-0 run. New York’s recent success contrasts sharply with the Kings’ fortunes. Los Angeles (24-36-0) has lost four of its last five, including a 4-2 defeat to Colorado on Monday. Goaltender Anton Forsberg, projected to start, has been busy, making 35 saves on 38 shots in that loss but posting a 29-save shutout against Calgary in his previous outing on Feb. 28. The Kings have struggled defensively, allowing four or more goals in six of their last ten games. They will face an Islanders team that has shown a knack for close victories, with three of their last seven wins coming in overtime. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the Islanders are projected to extend their streak with a 3-2 victory. This game opens a critical four-game road trip for New York, which sits firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. For Los Angeles, it begins a final stretch to salvage a difficult season, with only 22 games remaining after Thursday. The teams will meet again next Friday, March 13, on Long Island.