Game Day Preview: Kings Must-Win?

Photo by Heath Biter/LAist

It might seem hard to believe that tonight’s game between the Phoenix Coyotes and your Los Angeles Kings carries any weight, but it does, and I’ll tell you why. With 21 games left in the season, and a lowly 53 points to their cellar-dwelling name, the Kings would be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention with a loss tonight.

Not officially of course. After all, only 13 points separate the Kings from the 8th place Calgary Flames. Never mind that the Kings have played 2 more games, and that there are 6 teams ahead of the Kings also fighting for that desirable final playoff spot.

The truth of the matter is, since the 2001 season, the team with the worst record to make the playoffs in the Western Conference had 91 points. Since the addition of the shootout two years ago, the “worst” teams had 95 and 96 points respectively.

If the Kings win every remaining game, they would have 95 points. The Coyotes are 5-0 against the Kings this year. If the Kings lose tonight, kiss the playoffs bye-bye.

The game starts at 7:30 at the Staples Center. I imagine tickets are still available.