The Los Angeles Kings have dropped two straight games, but have a trio of home games at Staples Center this week to look to climb the Western Conference playoff ladder in the NHL. In the tightly packed west, the Kings are currently on the outside of the playoff picture but are also just a point out of a tie for fourth place in the conference. This week, two of their three games are against first-place teams.
Monday vs. San Jose Sharks (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West): The Sharks are in a three-way tie for first place in the Pacific Division, but the Kings are just one point back. The Kings lost 4-2 in San Jose on November 7 in their only meeting so far this season.
Thursday vs. Florida Panthers (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports West): The Panthers, with 28 points, are tops in the Southeast Division, and are 7-5-0 on the road this season.
Saturday vs. Montreal Canadiens (12:30 p.m., NHL Network, Fox Sports West): The Kings conclude their four-game homestand with a matinee affair against Montreal.
The Kings have scored just eight goals in their last four games, and each of their three opponents this week are in the upper half of the NHL in fewest goals allowed. If Los Angeles can put some goals on the board this week, they can make a move in the Western Conference.
For more information about Kings hockey, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.