The Los Angeles Kings could become the third Pacific Division team to earn their ticket to the playoffs.
• Also read: NHL: Most offensive season in 30 years
In fact, the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers are already guaranteed to be the next spring dance in the National Hockey League (NHL).
To join them, the Kings must pick up at least a point in their Sunday night matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. The California team would also have their ticket to the playoffs if the Winnipeg Jets lost to the New Jersey Devils earlier in the day.
The Kings and Canucks meet for the third time this season. The BC club won the first two games of 2022-23, winning 4-1 on November 18 and 3-2 on penalties on March 18.
On Saturday night, the Los Angeles team returned to winning ways after setbacks against the Oilers and Calgary Flames. The Kings defeated the Seattle Kraken 3-1.
“At the end of the campaign there will be close matches and hard-fought battles. That’s how we want to play defensively,” said goaltender Phoenix Copley after beating the NHL number 32. We broke games, kept our rivals on the periphery and it’s very pleasing to see that.
After their date with the Canucks, the Kings take on the Oilers (Tuesday) and the Goldens Knights (Thursday). So it’s going to be a crucial week for the Pacific rankings.