The Los Angeles Kings hope tonight will be a coronation at Staples Center as they try to clinch a playoff spot, hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Both the Kings and Coyotes are tied for the fifth spot in the Western Conference, just a point behind Nashville for the fourth spot. In fact, if tonight's game goes to overtime, both teams will clinch a playoff spot regardless of who wins. Here are the relevant details of tonight's game:
- Combatants: Kings (96 pts, 45-28-6); Coyotes (96 pts, 42-25-12)
- Location: Staples Center, downtown Los Angeles
- Time: 7:30 p.m. PDT
- TV: Fox Sports West
- Previous Matchups: the Kings are 2-3 against Phoenix this season, including 1-1 at Staples Center
If it doesn't happen tonight, the Kings are still likely to clinch a playoff spot in the next few days, as they simply need Dallas to lose one of it's final three games. The Kings are in southern California to close out their regular season. After tonight, they play the Ducks twice, Friday in Anaheim and Saturday in Los Angeles.
For more information on the Kings or tonight's game, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.