The Los Angeles Kings vs. the Pacific
It’s April 1st, and you know what that means: being very skeptical about everyone/thing you encounter and getting amped about the last 2 weeks of the regular season. While the Kings have sat in 3rd place in the Pacific Division for what seems like an ice age, they haven’t clinched a playoff berth quite yet, but now is the time to do it.
The Kings’ magic number to clinch a playoff spot (and third seed in Pacific Division) remains at five
— LAKingsPR (@LAKingsPR) April 1, 2014
Barring that boring and horrible game against the Wild yesterday, the Kings have been playing some of their best hockey of the season. The Gaborik Effect seems to have solidified their lines and everyone’s role on the team. Secondary scoring has picked up considerably, especially with Martinez and Lewis having their highest scoring seasons yet. There are a couple of speedy rookies that want to prove that they can hack it with the big guys. Quick is looking marvelous post-injury and post-Olympics, and that backup goalie that the Kings have in Martin Jones ain’t no slouch either.
| D I V I S I O N R I V A L | T E A M R E C O R D | K I N G S V S T E A M |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | 49-18-8 | 1 Win – 3 Losses |
| San Jose Sharks | 47-20-9 | 3 Wins – 1 Loss |
| Los Angeles Kings | 44-26-6 | X X X |
| Phoenix Coyotes | 36-27-12 | 1 Win – 3 Losses |
| Vancouver Canucks | 34-31-11 | 4 Wins |
| Calgary Flames | 31-37-7 | 2 Wins – 2 Losses |
| Edmonton Oilers | 26-40-9 | 3 Wins |
There’s been great, good and bad performances throughout the season against their division rivals, but that was with injuries and the weird Olympic schedule and not the dialed in Los Angeles team that seems to be playing today. If the Kings were in the Eastern Conference this would perfectly align with Scott Pilgrim having to beat 7 exes to get the girl, but no matter, they’ve still got 6 division rivals to demolish on their way to the playoffs.
And with that, the Kings begin an all Pacific showdown and are spoiling for a fight towards their chances at a second Stanley Cup.
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