Let us start with the good news: The San Jose Sharks defeated the Winnipeg Jets on Monday, leaving the Jets two points behind the Kings (68 v. 66) with two fewer games remaining. With the Jets scheduled against the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins tonight, the Kings have a little breathing room from below.
Now the very bad news: The St. Louis Blues defeated the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, dealing the Kings’ playoff chances a severe blow. While both the Kings and Blues have 17 games remaining, the Kings sit three points back (71 v. 68) and face a much stiffer schedule, comparatively. Put simply, there are 34 points available for both teams, and the Kings start out down a three spot. If you believe the cutoff to be ninety points, as smarter people than me believe, then the Kings will likely need 91 points to steal the final wild card spot. Can this team earn 23 of a possible 34 points the rest of the way? ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Some Highlights
Let’s stick with despair. Here’s the 16th pick in the 2010 NHL Draft burying the Kings’ playoffs hopes a Jaden Schwartz pass.
I had to highlight this play because it involves Radko Gudas not hurting someone. He did a good thing.
In a deadline acquisition that actually appears to be paying off, Patrick Eaves scored in a shootout vs. the Predators.
Some News
Sweden wants their players at home, not in Ontario. I’m paraphrasing.
The saga of the Coyotes continues, and Gary Bettman is not happy with the city of Glendale. Vice versa, I’m sure.
Ready for some draft prospect talk? Here’s the top 31 according to Sportsnet. The money quote: “Does everything so well, not flashy but has a pro style about him already. Think Jonathan Toews-lite.”
The Edmonton Oilers haven’t been in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in ten years, so they are making sure to reward their fans’ patience with cheap tickets. Actually, they’re milking the opportunity for all it’s worth.
Finally, Josh Ho-Sang took – and continues to take – a lot of grief on his way to an NHL career. The Islanders stuck with him, however, and it looks to be paying off.