The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks could be playing for the Pacific Division on Saturday night at the HP Pavilion. Or, they could be playing for the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Both teams enter Saturday night with 94 points, one point behind the Phoenix Coyotes in the division.
The Pacific Division winner will get the third seed. If Phoenix beats Minnesota, they will capture their first division crown. If not, the Kings and Sharks will be playing for the division in the final game of the NHL regular season.
San Jose is looking for their fifth straight division crown, while the Kings haven't won the division since 1991.
These teams played Thursday night in Los Angeles, a 6-5 shootout win for San Jose that was marred by Ryan Clowe interfering with a puck in the final two minutes as the Kings were rushing toward the Sharks' end of the ice. No penalty was called, as the referees apparently didn't see Clowe reach his stick out on the ice from the bench.
"I don't see why he shouldn't (get suspended)," Kings defenseman Drew Doughty told the Associated Press. "To me, that's like a guy running down the football field and a guy comes out and tackles him to keep him from getting a touchdown. I don't see how this is any different.
The Kings are 2-1-2 against the Sharks this season.
For updates and perspective regarding the Los Angeles Kings, head on over to Jewels from the Crown. For all news and information regarding the San Jose Sharks, please visit Fear the Fin.
