Tonight, and for the next three games, the Kings face probably the toughest of all challenges:
Teams with no pressure on them. Teams out of the playoff picture entirely. Teams whose only roles are to play spoilers. (And/or tank for the No. 1 overall pick depending on who you listen to.)
On top of that, all the pressure in the world is on the Kings to make the playoffs. They have everything to play for and everything to lose, against teams that can play a little looser knowing the season is over.
That is why you never take any opponent lightly.
The Kings will play Edmonton tonight at Staples before meeting them again in Alberta less than a week from today. The Oilers are playing average hockey at the moment and are experimenting with an increased role to a lot of young players currently. It is showcase time for the future up in Edmonton right now. Especially for the defensive group.
Over the last stretch they have seen some extremely high minutes from younger players ala Martin Marincin, Justin Schultz, Oscar Klefbom, and the much maligned Nikita Nikitin. Keith Aulie has also been reinserted into the lineup with more regularity now, so it seems as though Edmonton is committing to some younger blood on defense. Up front it should be more of the same from the Oilers.
From out Edmonton Blogger, Matt Henderson, here are the projected lines and combos:
Pouliot RNH Eberle Purcell Roy Yakupov Hall Lander Miller Gazdic Hendricks Klinkhammer
Klefbom Schultz Marincin Nikitin Aulie Davidson
Scrivens
The Kings face their own set of issues right now.
It sounds like the newly acquired Andrej Sekera is out, and not for a short time either.
@pris232 out indefinitely. saw doctor again yesterday. led to believe it's not a short-term thing.
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 2, 2015Sekera had been one of the Kings best defenseman...when paired up with Brayden McNabb. Ironically, McNabb will come back into the lineup and could possible play alongside Robyn Regehr. McNabb has played a grand total of 2:55 with Robyn Regehr. Although Martinez and Greene have been suspect lately, there is no way that Sutter pairs up Greene and Regehr. Maybe we see a combo of Martinez/Regehr and Greene/McNabb.
The loss of Sekera is terrible for L.A. if it is something that extends into the playoffs (Given they make it). The defensive depth has been an issue almost all season, but lately there seemed to be some semblance of cohesion within the group. McNabb has played very well though (Arguably better than Martinez, Greene, and Regehr) and gets an opportunity to be very big for his team in a time of need. Depending on how you want to look at the situation, Brayden McNabb probably should have never been out of the lineup in the first place. Sutter's comments to Jon Rosen were equally frustrating if you are on the side of playing youth over experience:
“When we took Brayden out, we kept experience in. It wasn’t Andrej coming in, it was experience. If you’d do it in comparison if you’re securing a playoff position, then for sure, you’re moving guys in and out of the lineup. You fall back on winning experience. You don’t fall back on ‘over-the-hill’ experience.…
There is also other help coming as Jarret Stoll will return to the lineup after dealing with a concussion.
Jarret Stoll back in the #LAKings lineup after sitting out nine with a concussion. Read his reaction. (Blog post) http://t.co/vvjHlKSqWQ
— Elliott Teaford (@ElliottTeaford) April 2, 2015Stoll will replace Mike Richards in the lineup.
Stoll is having his worst season to date. A solid final five games which help vault the Kings in would almost certainly abolish any season sins however.
The Kings have an enormous opportunity given their schedule to get a little confidence, pick up a few points, and gather momentum. Win the games you should win and the rest will fall into place. Do not sleep on the Oilers though, this is as close to the playoffs as they will come. Taking two crucial points away from the defending Stanley Cup Champions would be something the Oilers could point to as a positive in a season full of negatives.
Enjoy the game tonight folks.
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In other good news today, Tanner Pearson signed a two-year contract extension with the Kings.
Kings extend Tanner Pearson with two-year, $2.8-million deal. Was set to be RFA: http://t.co/diRzrFRtO3
— Hockey Central (@SNHockeyCentral) April 2, 2015Overall that is a pretty strong deal for the Kings, who keep Pearson's cap hit manageable while they find more money in the future to put towards him.
The winger has been out with a broken lower leg but is nearing a return before the season is out.
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Kings received a little help from Winnipeg and the league offices today. Well, they received help from this brain fart by Dustin Byfuglien.
The Jets have arguably the hardest schedule to overcome out of the three teams fighting to get in. With the Jets' top blueliner out now until the last game of the season it puts another obstacle in front of them.
I am sure the Kings and Flames are pleased though. Jets should also feel pretty fortunate that this is not a longer suspension. As Matthew Barnaby said on NHL Network radio, there was intent here. Any time you have that sort of intent it should be 5+ right off the bat.
That being said, Calgary and Los Angeles will take it and Winnipeg will have to try and rally from it.
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