NHL Power Rankings: Lightning strikes, Flames burn out

17. Los Angeles Kings (-)

The Los Angeles Kings find themselves on the edge of the shrinking playoff bubble. They are tied for points with the St. Louis Blues but have played an extra game. Last year, the Kings were not even in the playoff conversation at this point of the year. What is working for the Kings this year? Anze Kopitar. Kopitar for a long time has been one of the Kings’ better forwards that has carried much of the load defensively. This year he is leading the team in scoring collecting 86 points in 76 games. His performance this season has put him into contention for the Hart Trophy.

The Los Angeles Kings are right in the middle of the messy battle for the last spot in the Pacific and wild card spots. The Kings, St. Louis Blue and Anaheim Ducks are all tied in points and the Colorado Avalanche are just one behind. Every game gets more important and every point becomes harder to earn. The Kings did well in their last set of games, winning three out of five. One of their losses was in overtime, so they were able to gain a point from that. Their final five games will be crucial for them to make the playoffs. They start against the Arizona Coyotes then play the Anaheim Ducks which could decide the standings. Then they will play three straight home games to close out the season against the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars.