The LA Kings got back into the win column with a dominant performance against the San Jose Sharks. After struggling against the Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs, the Kings made a statement with an 8-1 win over the Sharks that left no question unanswered about who was the better team.
However, with the playoffs quickly approaching the bigger question is where they rank among the top teams in the Western Conference and the NHL as a whole. They have a chance to answer that question on Tuesday night against the Winninpeg Jets.
These are four things to look out for in this game and a prediction of who will win.
Will the LA Kings have any players returning?
The LA Kings have been missing a couple of players over the past few games as Alex Turcotte has been dealing with an upper-body injury that has now cost him four games. Meanwhile, Tanner Jeannot has missed three games after suffering an injury against the New York Rangers.
Both injuries have been classified as day-to-day so hopefully they are returning soon, possibly against the Jets. The absence of Jeannot has given Jeff Malott to be called up and play in an NHL game for the first time since the 2021-22 season. He has looked really good the past three games and fit in nicely on that fourth line.
Battle of the Top 2 goalies in the NHL
The top headline from this game has to be the marquee goalie matchup between Connor Hellebuyck and Darcy Kuemper. There is no question that Hellebuyck is the best goalie in the NHL right now but Kuemper has made a strong case for being considered number two.
Hellebuyck is first in the NHL in wins (43), goals against average (2.01), save percentage .925%, and shutouts (7). However, Kuemper is not that far off on a few of those stats as he is second in the league in goals against average (2.10), third in save percentage at .919%, and fifth in shutouts with four.
While Hellebuyck has been great this season, he hasn't been as great on the road with a save percentage that drops to .912% and a goals against average of 2.43. Meanwhile, Kuemper has been excellent at home with a save percentage of .932% and a goals against average of 1.69.
The fact the game is being played at home for the LA Kings should help their chances to secure two points.