For the past few weeks, the Los Angeles Kings have been competing with the Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division. Most of the time, the Oilers have had more points than the Kings and remained second in the division while the Kings have been third.
However, every time discussing the standings there has been the caveat that the Kings are behind the Oilers but have games in hand. As of Sunday morning, the Kings have 85 points while the Oilers have 87 but the Kings have played only 68 games while the Oilers have 70.
By the middle of the week, fans should have a much clearer picture of where exactly the Kings stand in the division as they will play two games over the next few days before the Oilers next game. On Sunday night, the Kings have a home game against the Boston Bruins and then another home game on Tuesday against the New York Rangers.
Meanwhile, the Oilers have an extended break and don't play again until Wednesday with a home game against the Dallas Stars.
Pacific Division is still within reach for the Los Angeles Kings but the focus should be home ice
While the Kings are battling the Oilers for positioning in the Pacific Division, there is still the chance they can catch the Vegas Golden Knights and win the division as they are only five points back and the Golden Knights have played one more game than the Kings.
It is still a possibility to win the Pacific Division, the more likely scenario is that the Kings will be playing the Oilers in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth straight season. In the previous three meetings, the Oilers have been the team to advance and if the Kings want to change that trend the focus needs to be getting home ice.
The Kings have been the best home team this season in the NHL and has a remarkable 24-3-4 record. They have secured at least one point in 13 consecutive games and this could create a huge advantage when the playoffs roll around.
For the Los Angeles Kings, the next two games won't necessarily secure that home ice in the playoffs but at the very least will bring some clarity on what needs to be done down the stretch to make that a reality.