Los Angeles Kings hopeful to dominate Edmonton Oilers – NHL Preview
The Los Angeles Kings are still cursing the defeat they faced in the last game as a victory could have certainly given them a handsome advantage over other teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) Pacific Division.
However, they are still leading the division and are scheduled to play against the feeble Edmonton Oilers in a game, which could further strengthen Kings’ dominance in the division.
That being said, Kings should also be cautious as another defeat could drastically change the scenario due to the competitive nature of the division.
As for Oilers, they are already eliminated from the playoff contention and have not been consistent throughout the season.
The matchup will take place on Monday, April 02, 2012, at STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Kings
They are ranked at third spot in the Western Conference with 91 points after 79 games. A defeat or two could push Kings below the eighth spot.
In their last game, Kings got their two-game winning run snapped after facing defeat against Minnesota Wild.
Kings and Wild scored two goals each in the first period. The former managed a goal in the second period, but the latter levelled it in the final.
In overtime, no team was able to score and Wild scored twice in shootout to win the game.
Kings’ defenseman, Rob Scuderi, said after the game:
"For us, right now where we are in the standings, we need the points bad. It doesn't matter whether we're playing a team that's in it or out of it. But to their credit, I think they played very well. They didn't give up too much. I thought they played real
tight defensively."
Oilers
Oilers are placed at 14th spot in the Western Conference with 73 points after 79 games and are already eliminated from the playoff contention.
In their last game, Oilers defeated Anaheim Ducks to snap their two-game losing streak.
Oilers scored two goals early in the first period and Ducks managed a goal in the same period. However, no scoring move was made in the next two periods as Oilers won the game.
Oilers have three more games left to play in the regular season.
Predictions
Kings have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Oilers win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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