Los Angeles Kings increase Pacific Division lead with 2-0 shutout of Edmonton Oilers -NHL Update
Edmonton was showing signs of fatigue as the Oilers were playing their second matchup in two nights and got shutout by Los Angeles Kings, 2-0, Monday night, April 2, 2012, at the sold-out STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
Despite being number three in the Western Conference now, Los Angeles is still desperate to clinch a playoff spot as now, only the Pacific Division teams remain to do so while all others have secured their now.
Los Angeles is currently leading the Pacific with 93 points, two above Phoenix Coyotes and three ahead of eighth place San Jose Sharks with Dallas Stars on their trail as well sitting at number nine with 89.
"It doesn't matter what our points are," said Kings’ goalie, Jonathan Quick, who registered his 24th career shutout. "We're not in yet. It doesn't matter where anybody is in the standings. We've got two games left, and we've got to get points."
It was still anybody’s game entering the final 20 minutes of regulation and Los Angeles Kings were the one to grab it as Slava Voynov scored the opener 34 seconds in and Dwight King added the insurance shot with less than three minutes left to play.
"It's crazy how a couple of games can really change things," said King. "If you get a couple of wins, you can get right back on top. We've got two more games to finish out here, and it should be good."
Seeing nervousness on the Kings’ players was easy since all season long they had been fighting for a postseason spot and are now on top of their division.
"They're good at home, and again, they're a desperate team," Edmonton coach, Tom Renney, said.
Los Angeles Kings now have two games left to go on their 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season schedule. The next will be at home against state rivals, the Sharks following a season finale in San Jose against the same team on Thursday and
Saturday respectively.
Edmonton will be returning home to host Anaheim Ducks for the second time in three contests on Thursday.
Tags: