Kings Will Be Tested On Eastern Conference Swing
ThankJeremy Roenick’sover-excited body, but All-Star weekend is finally over. Unlike the NFL’s Pro-Bowl, this year’s version of the NHL All-Star game was rather, let’s say, manageable. 3-on-3 hockey is extremely exciting and somehowJohn Scottwon the MVP. It’s hard for me to forget this:
But at the same time, this weekend exposure has at the very least shown to me that he’s notSean Avery, and the weekend had a relatable if not deserved outcome.
Jonathan Quickcombined with Duck’sJohn Gibsonfor a shutout in the title game. Fans won’t have to wait long to see this rematch as the Duck’s come to the Staples Center this Thursday, February 4th. After that home game with the Ducks, the Kings will spend the next 11 days on the road with 7 games on tap for this Eastern Conference swing.
Up first,Milan Lucicreturns to his old stomping grounds at the T.D. Garden, as the Kings take on the surprising Boston Bruins. With 57 points in the standings, the Bruins currently hold the 1st Wild Card in the Eastern Conference. All-StarPatrice Bergeronleads the Bruins in points with 44, including 9 power-play goals. Actually, the Bruins have been an offensive powerhouse this season, ranking 3rd in goals scored.Brad Marchandis on pace for a career mark in goals. He has netted 20 through his first 44 games this season. His career high is 28.
The Kings head to the Big Apple to take on two more playoff teams in the Islanders and Rangers. Rumor mill superstarKyle Okposoheadlines the Islanders is scoring but it’s centerJohn Tavareswho carries this team. Tavares is a top-5 center in the NHL but he’s not been able to find much success against the Kings. In his short sample size, Tavares has only managed to record 5 assists and a (-3) rating in 10 games against the Kings. In the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals rematch, the Rangers will prove to be another tough test. The Rangers also have a top 5 offense led byDerick BrassardandMats Zuccarello. Brassard is on pace to shatter his career mark in goals (19), with 17 tallies on the season so far. Zuccarello is also showing that last season was more of an anomaly than a pattern.
The Kings will play an Eastern Time Zone matinee against the Devils, so take the under. The Devils have been a competitive team and may have the edge with the Kings in this one, especially if they are looking ahead to their next game in the nation’s capital. In what could very well be a Stanley Cup preview, one of the leagues best defenses will test the leagues best offense. As good asAlex OvechkinandNicklas Backstromhave been this season, it’s centerEvgeny Kuznetsovwho’s carrying the offensive load in Washington. With 49 points in 47 games and a league leading (+/-) rating of (+24), the former 1st round pick is blossoming into a bonafide superstar.
The Kings finish the 7 game road trip against more familiar Western Conference foes in St. Louis and Nashville. The Blues have played extremely well despite various key injuries to both forwards and D. St. Louis owns a top 3 penalty-kill while sniperVladimir Tarasenkostays in striking distance for the lead league in goals. The Predators have found more offense with the acquisition ofRyan Johansenbut are still trying to figure out their suddenly leaky defense. Having said that, the Preds are still hanging on to that 2nd Wild Card spot.
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