Didn’t we just do this? Sort of. The Kings beat the Oilers 3-2 in a shootout, about a million years ago when the world was bright and good (12/24).
So, what have you been up to? They haven’t been racking up wins lately (does that sound familiar?), but they’re fresh off a 5-2 drubbing of the Sharks on Thursday.
Well, you‘re looking good! [Really?] Taylor Hall has moved to center, and his new line with Dustin Penner and Ales Hemsky is looking great; Hemsky had four points and Hall had two goals in the last game. The younguns continue to see a lot of ice time, and they’ve got nothing to lose. We are also part of the Dustin Penner fanclub here at JftC, but if he could be shut down tonight, that’d be wonderful progress.
Young 6′ 6″ giant Devan Dubnyk (.922 SV%, 2.72 GAA) turned in a fine performance against San Jose despite facing a barrage of shots, and will be in net again tonight. Jonathan Bernier will make this a battle of the backups.
How’s that workin’ for ya? Their power play is 13.5% (28th in the league), and their PK 74.2% (30th).
OMG, did you hear about… Injured Kings: Parse (hip), fanbase (ulcers). Injured Oilers: Shawn Horcoff, Ryan Whitney (knees), Jordan Eberle (ankle), Gilbert Brule (upper body).
Okay, well, nice to see you as always… season series: Kings up, 1-0. If you’re going to put this on a scientific must-win scale, it feels like one of the must-winningest. They’re four points out of a playoff spot now, and the climb up just got even steeper. But who likes easy, eh? Stock up on the drinks either way.