Los Angeles Kings’ position at stake as they take on Vancouver Canucks – NHL Preview
Having clinched the Northwest Division title of the National Hockey League (NHL), Vancouver Canucks are well on the course of reaching the playoffs.
Los Angeles Kings, however, do not enjoy such a fate that would give them some respite. They are ranked among the top eight teams of the Western Conference, but a single defeat can push them down the comfort zone.
Both these teams are going to face each other on Monday, March 26, 2012, at Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Canucks
They are leading the Northwest division and are ranked at second spot in the Western Conference with 99 points after 75 games.
Canucks’ run this month is not very commendable, but given the fact that they have clinched the division title, a breathing space is earned by them.
Out of their last five games, Canucks have won three and are currently on a two-game winning streak with the victories coming against Dallas Stars (2-1) and Colorado Avalanche (3-2 in overtime).
In the last game, Canucks came from behind to win. Avalanche scored a goal in the first period and doubled the lead in the second. Canucks later scored twice in the same period to level the score.
The final period went goalless and the game was forced to overtime where Canucks scored to beat Avalanche.
Chris Higgins, who scored two goals in the game, wants his team to lead the Western Conference, which is currently dominated by the St. Louis Blues. He commented after the victory:
"We have our sights set on catching St. Louis.”
He added:
“It should be fun down the stretching trying to catch them.”
Kings
Kings are ranked at eighth spot in the Western Conference with 86 points after 75 games and stand prone to losing their position if they get defeated against Canucks.
In their last game, Kings got defeated against Boston Bruins. Before that, Kings had won six games in a row.
Kings and Bruins could not score in the first period and both teams scored apiece in the second. The game was decided in the final period in which Bruins scored three goals while Kings could only get one.
Kings’ defenseman, Willie Mitchell, said after the last game:
"We know the situation we're in. We're battling with a bunch of other teams here to make the postseason, or win our division. We're just preparing every game the same way -- like it's a must-win. It's never good to lose this time of year, that's for sure.”
Predictions
Canucks have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Kings win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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