Los Angeles Kings look for win at home ice against Detroit Red Wings - NHL Preview
Detroit Red Wings have dropped down from the pole position at the top of the Western Conference after injuries to key players put a spanner in their momentum. They will be looking to return to winning ways on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 against the Los Angeles
Kings at the STAPLES Center.
The Red Wings loss of number one goaltender Jimmy Howard plus star forwards Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk had hit the team hard as they struggled to string victories together.
Detroit will regain Howard in front of goal on Tuesday and a win over the Kings is a must if they wish to maintain their position in fourth to secure home ice advantage moving into the playoffs.
Los Angeles Kings though are still struggling desperately to get back in a playoff position as they lie 11th in the Western Conference with 76-points.
The Kings still trail the coveted eighth spot by a two-point margin and the two points up for grabs on Tuesday are highly important if they want to remain in the race to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Red Wings (44-22-3, 91 pts)
Detroit was once again on the losing side in their last game as they battled Central division rivals Nashville Predators and were defeated 3-2 by a team that is on their heels.
The Red Wings need to put some daylight between themselves and fifth placed Predators and will be looking to do just that with a win over the Kings.
Forward Darren Helm understands the gravity of the situation and wants the team to put together some big performances during their current four game road trip.
"Playoffs are coming up, and we've got some really difficult games on the road, so this could possibly be an opportunity for us to get our game more like our home game. It really hasn't been good enough, and you can't be a great team without winning on the
road. And we're not at that point yet."
Kings (32-25-12, 76 pts)
Los Angeles ended its two-game skid against Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday with an important 3-2 shootout win.
Goaltender Jonathan Quick showcased once again why he is one of the best in the league with a wonderful performance as he stopped all six attempts from Chicago on his goal during the shootout.
Los Angeles is just two-points behind eighth placed Colorado Avalanche and will be looking to take advantage of a Detroit side that is struggling and which historically has not performed well on the road.
Centre Jeff Carter knows the importance of every point and wants the team to keep pace in the race for the playoffs.
"Everyone knows what our situation is. It seems like everyone we're chasing and battling with is winning right now. We need every point we can get. We knew this shootout point was huge and Quickie came up big for us."
Predictions
Los Angeles will win the game as Detroit’s struggles in offence coupled with their poor road form will make them an easy target.
Goals will be few with both goaltenders known for their stinginess in giving up goals.
Tags: