The circumstances were particularly meaningful for Pittsburgh forward Blake Lizotte, who started his NHL career with the Kings and had 106 points (37 goals, 69 assists) in 320 games for them. This was his first game at Crypto.com Arena as a visitor, but the LAFD hat he wore after the morning skate reflected the larger circumstances.

The Los Angeles Kings honored firefighters and first responders in the first game back in their downtown arena since the catastrophic wildfires that devastated large parts of Los Angeles.

The NFL is also paying close attention to the potential impact of the fires on the Rams and Chargers as they prepare for their postseason games.

The Penguins head west to face the Los Angeles Kings in a late-night showdown at Crypto.com Arena. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey!