Game Preview: Kings at Canucks
As the season continues to wind down, the Kings will face the Canucks for the first of three times in their final 16 games. With Calgary’s win over Anaheim last night, you might say a win against the Canucks is crucial in keeping up with the playoff race. The good news is the Kings have that reputation of being a team that shows up when they need a win.
TSN quotes Justin Williams, ”We’re at our best when we’re in dire need of a win.”
And even opposing coach, Willie Desjardins, admitted it to the media: “They go through, and then all of a sudden when it’s time to win, they pick up their game and play hard.”
Only 3 points separate the two teams in the standings which means this is going to be a heated battle tonight. With how their previous game ended in January, the Canucks will be looking for a strong start (the Kings scored 2 goals in the final 2 minutes on Jan. 1 to a 3-2 win). With Ryan Miller out due to injury, expect to see Eddie Lack in goal against Jonathan Quick. Catch the game at 7pm PST on Fox Sports West.
Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
Record: 32-21-13 (4th in Pacific)
Top Goal Scorer: Jeff Carter (23)
Points Leader: Jeff Carter (51)
Projected Goalie: Jonathan Quick (28-17-11, 2.37 GAA)
Who to watch: Justin Williams (posted 3 assists in previous game vs. Colorado)
Vancouver Canucks
Record: 38-24-4 (2nd in Pacific)
Top Goal Scorer: Radim Vrbata (25)
Points Leader: Henrik Sedin (60)
Projected Goalie: Eddie Lack (10-8-3, 2.46 GAA)
Who to watch: Bo Horvat (2 goals in past 2 games)
Jan 1, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Kings forward Dwight King (74) gets a stick on a puck in front of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa (3) and goaltender Ryan Miller (30) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports