The Los Angeles Kings are streaking toward April and a showdown against the rival Anaheim Ducks for a chance at the Stanley Cup
The LA Kings are on a post-Olympic surge having won seven in a row and eyeing the nine straight they won in 2009-10. They have 16 games left before April 12th when they close with the Anaheim Ducks at home so lets play prognosticator.
Here’s the bracketology after the Sunday, March 9th games:
(2)
(7)
(4)
(6)
(1)
(8)
(3)
(5)
If you’re used to teams seeded like the NFL or March Madness read this article. Its not as complicated as the author makes it sound. Seems like the NHL is favoring geographical rivalries over best competition if you ask me.
So, the Kings will have to face both the San Jose Sharks and the Ducks to make it to the Final Four. What’s left to decide is home ice vs. the Sharks. The Sharks are only nine points ahead so it’s possible but unlikely.
It would be awesome if the Kings were playing for the top seed in the Pacific Division the last game of the season against the Ducks but that’s preposterous. I don’t see Anaheim losing more than six games the rest of the season, so unless the Kings go 16-0 while the Ducks go 9-7-1 or 9-6-2 (I think that’s right,) the season finale is merely an appetizer for the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
I say that with confidence because the Kings are 3-0-1 vs. the Sharks with one game left in San Jose. Even if they lose April 3rd, the Kings have shown they can put it to the Sharks and we all know LA takes it up full throttle in the playoffs.
The Central Division is a little harder to peg as the top three teams are within seven points of each other but I think the Blues keep the #1 seed even if they lose both remaining games vs. the Blackhawks in Chicago. The Blackhawks are only four points out with six less wins because they have 14 OT points vs. the Blues six.
The Kings are: 2-1-0 vs. the Blues, 2-0-1 vs. the Avalanche and 0-3-0 vs. the Blackhawks so for their sake I hope Chicago doesn’t play like defending champions or the Kings won’t be competing for the cup this year even if they do get by the Ducks.
I think I’ve given myself a headache but here’s what I’ve deduced. The Kings found their offense in Sochi and brought it back. The Stars, Wild, Coyotes, Canucks or Jets are speed bumps for the Ducks and Blues. Kings beat Sharks. Blackhawks beat Avalanche.
Honestly, I’m not going to be a homer. The Kings have the talent to beat the Ducks, Blackhawks or Blues but until they play the final two against the Ducks and likewise with the Blues vs. Blackhawks (remember Chicago and LA get both remaining games at home) I’d just be guessing and you can do that all by yourself.
The Kings are: 2-1-0 vs. the Blues, 2-0-1 vs. the Avalanche and 0-3-0 vs. the Blackhawks so for their sake I hope Chicago doesn’t play like defending champions or the Kings won’t be competing for the cup this year even if they do get by the Ducks.
Honestly, I’m not going to be a homer. The Kings have the talent to beat the Ducks, Blackhawks or Blues but until they play the final two against the Ducks and likewise with the Blues vs. Blackhawks (remember Chicago and LA get both remaining games at home) I’d just be guessing and you can do that all by yourself.
Copyright 2013 SportSpeak LLC, all rights reserved. For more coverage, follow @SportSpeakLA and @SportSpeakOC on Twitter.
