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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Kings vs. Blackhawks Game 2 update: Kings without Richards, Muzzin; Hawks lead early

The Kings made two lineup changes as the teams played on back-to-back nights in Chicago.

USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Kings scratched forward Mike Richards and defenseman Jake Muzzin after each took big hits in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.

Richards skated in warmups but was kept out of the lineup with what was called an upper body injury. It's believed the injury stems from this hit by Dave Bolland late in Game 1, which did not result in any supplementary discipline:

Richardsow_medium

Muzzin was not yet officially listed as injured, though broadcasters speculated his absence was influenced by a Game 1 hit too.

Tyler Toffoli replaced Richards in the lineup, causing Jeff Carter to move to center. Alec Martinez replaced Muzzin. Martinez hadn't played since Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Jose Sharks.

Just 1:56 into Game 2, Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw opened scoring off this pass from Viktor Stalberg to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead:

Chawksgoal1_medium

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