Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets eye fourth straight win – NHL Preview
The lowly Columbus Blue Jackets have registered an impressive surge of late, but it will take a much better effort from them to beat the improving Los Angeles Kings in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at Nationwide Arena, Columbus,
Ohio.
For Blue Jackets, the playoff hopes are over and with just around month left in the regular season, they stand no chance of playing in the postseason. However, they do have an opportunity to hurt Kings’ chances.
Kings have started the current four-game road trip well after winning the first game and it is yet to be seen how they play the remaining games.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Blue Jackets
Presently on a three-game winning streak, Blue Jackets are ranked at the bottom of the Western Conference with 49 points after 66 games.
The first victory came against Colorado Avalanche (2-0). The next two wins came against Phoenix Coyotes—the first one (5-2) on road and the other one (3-2) on home ice.
Blue Jackets’ interim coach, Todd Richards, said after the recent victory:
"I had talked to you leading up to the trade deadline, and was asked, 'Is the room tense?' My response was, 'Everything's good.' But seeing the way we're playing now, I think that had a big effect on us," he said. "Guys seem more relaxed, seem to be enjoying
the game, enjoying being around each other. So the morale is good."
Kings
Kings are placed at ninth spot in the Western Conference with 74 points after 66 games.
If San Jose Sharks get defeated against Dallas Stars on Wednesday and Kings manage to beat Blue Jackets, Kings will secure a playoff spot.
Kings have also won their last three games after defeating Minnesota Wild (4-0), Anaheim Ducks (4-2) and Nashville Predators (5-4).
Kings’ coach, Darryl Sutter, said after the last win:
"Our defensemen scored two goals by getting shots through, getting it past the first guy. That really was the difference. Our defence was more involved offensively than they have been.”
Predictions
Both teams are playing well of late, but Kings will have an advantage.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Blue Jackets win, the winning margin might be less than two goals.
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