The LA Kings got a big win on Saturday over the Edmonton Oilers that helped extend their lead in the Pacific Division to four points. However, with a win and a little help they would also clinch a spot in the NHL Playoffs.
For the Kings to clinch a spot, they would also need the Calgary Flames to suffer a loss, either in regulation or overtime. They were playing the Vegas Golden Knights and the game would end up going to overtime before Reilly Smith scored the game winner for the Golden Knights.
The Kings are now the fifth team in the Western Conference to clinch a playoff spot and they join the Vegas Golden Knights, Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche.
LA Kings now turn their focus to home-ice advantage in the NHL Playoffs
The prior three seasons the LA Kings had their season ended by the Edmonton Oilers, who they played in the first round. Each season, the series shortened as the two teams would go to seven games, followed by six and then this past season the Oilers won the series in five.
However, in each of those seasons, the Kings were third in the Pacific Division so the Oilers had home-ice advantage. Right now, the Kings are in second and if the season were to end today they would have the advantage against the Oilers.
This should be a significant advantage as the Kings have been the best team in the NHL at home with a 29-4-4 record this season. The magic number for the LA Kings to secure home ice is eight points, which can be lowered with Kings' wins or Oilers' losses.
While the focus is to stay ahead of the Oilers, they could still win the Pacific Division as they are only three points back of the Golden Knights. If they were to do that, it would only be the second time in franchise history that they have won the division.