It Takes Eight--3/27 to 4/2

Some new things to keep an eye on this week:

-Colorado and Calgary will be duking it out for the Northwest lead, hopefully both beat each other up.
-The Ducks *could* make a play at Nashville for the #4 seed.
-As of Sunday night 3/26, five points separates seven teams, vying for five playoff spots. This is great stuff.

Updated 4/2

3. Calgary 74 G; 92 pts.
4. Nashville 74 G; 94 pts.
5. Anaheim 74 G; 90 pts.
6. Colorado 74 G; 88 pts.
7. Vancouver 76 G; 87 pts.
8. Edmonton 75 G; 86 pts.
__________________
9. San Jose 73 G; 83 pts.
10. Los Angeles 75 G; 83 pts.

Colorado: 1-1-0; 2 pts
Nashville: 1-2-0; 2 pts
Ducks: 2-2-0; 4 pts
Calgary: 3-0-0; 6 pts
Edmonton: 1-2-0; 2 pts
San Jose: 0-2-1; 1 pt
Vancouver: 2-1-1; 5 pts
Los Angeles: 1-3-0; 2 pts

Usually, teams start dropping from the pack as the race for the playoffs goes on.

That is not the case for this season. I've been adding teams to the race for the last three weeks because the race keeps getting tighter and tighter. At least it's fun to watch!

4 points for Ducks this week should seal the deal.

San Jose has a very good chance to get 6 points this week.

4 points for Ducks this week should seal the deal.
Yea going 2-2 would be good. I really, Really want that win in Denver. After that the Vancouver will be huge as our home games are coming to an end.

win the home games, steal some road points and the ducks should be ok.

five points or better this week would be very successful.

Some new things to keep an eye on this week:

-Colorado and Calgary will be duking it out for the Northwest lead, hopefully both beat each other up.
-The Ducks *could* make a play at Nashville for the #4 seed.
-As of Sunday night 3/26, five points separates seven teams, vying for five playoff spots. This is great stuff.

Updated 3/26

3. Colorado 71 G; 86 pts.
4. Nashville 71 G; 92 pts.
5. Anaheim 70 G; 86 pts.
6. Calgary 71 G; 86 pts.
7. Edmonton 72 G; 84 pts.
8. San Jose 70 G; 82 pts.
__________________
9. Vancouver 72 G; 82 pts.
10. Los Angeles 71 G; 81 pts.

Colorado: Tues. vs. Anaheim, Fri. @ Calgary
Nashville: Tues. @ Phoenix, Thurs. vs. Detroit, Sat. vs. St. Louis
Ducks: Tues. @ Colorado, Wed. @ Dallas, Fri. vs. Dallas, Sun. vs. Vancouver
Calgary: Wed. vs. LA, Fri. vs. Colorado, Sat. @ Edmonton
Edmonton: Tues. vs. Minnesota, Thurs. vs. LA, Sat. vs. Calgary
San Jose: Tues. @ Columbus, Thurs. vs. Phoenix, Sat. vs. Phoenix
Vancouver: Mon. vs. LA, Wed. vs. Minnesota, Fri. vs. Minnesota, Sun. @ Anaheim
Los Angeles: Mon. @ Vancouver, Wed. @ Calgary, Thurs. @ Edmonton, Sat. vs. Dallas

geez look at our next 3 games, and then look at San Jose's. :shakehead

4 points for Ducks this week should seal the deal.

San Jose has a very good chance to get 6 points this week.

I'd settle for 4 points in the four games, but I sure would prefer to pick up five or six points. Would you be happy if the four points came by beating Colorado and Vancouver? I really don't relish the idea of two more losses to the Stars. By the same token, the Nucks are only 4 points behind us (although we do have two games in hand). I'd just as soon not lose to them, either.

San Jose is just 4 points behind us. Both teams have played 70 games. The Sharks are the team to fear.

San Jose is just 4 points behind us. Both teams have played 70 games. The Sharks are the team to fear.

I agree with you. The Sharks scare me the most out of all the teams vying for the 5-8 spots in the West. The 1st line is near unstoppable when it's clicking and with Bernier playing well of late and the constant threat of a 2nd line centered by Marleau...that team is capable of putting it all together as much as anyone...provided Thornton forgets it's playoff time and plays like the stats still count.

The Ducks need only 5 wins out of the next 12 games to get 96 points, easily enough to make the playoffs. The winning streak means that they are ahead of San Jose and Edmonton (and almost even with LA and Vancouver) in wins, which could be a tiebreaker.

The Ducks need only 5 wins out of the next 12 games to get 96 points, easily enough to make the playoffs. The winning streak means that they are ahead of San Jose and Edmonton (and almost even with LA and Vancouver) in wins, which could be a tiebreaker.

not really...if a tiebreaker is needed, the teams have the same amount of points. Means, the teams behind us would win more games than we do, thus would have equal/more wins than the ducks...

don't know if you guys get my point...it's kind of hard to explain my thoughts in english :)

Why is everyone so sure that 96 pts makes the playoffs. We could have a tie at 96 pts and be behing in wins and still make the playoffs. I would think that 100 pts could guarantee the playoffs, but not the mid 90's. Looks like all of the teams in the race, specifically teams like San Jose who have a relatively easy final 10-12 games could make 96 pts.

I would have to check head to head schedules with playoff race teams to be sure, however.

I would think that 100 pts could guarantee the playoffs, but not 100.


Now, this is confusing me :)

Why is everyone so sure that 96 pts makes the playoffs. We could have a tie at 96 pts and be behing in wins and still make the playoffs. I would think that 100 pts could guarantee the playoffs, but not the mid 90's. Looks like all of the teams in the race, specifically teams like San Jose who have a relatively easy final 10-12 games could make 96 pts.

I would have to check head to head schedules with playoff race teams to be sure, however.

100 is a lot...some people think the magic number is 94...I'm sticking with 96. The reason it won't take 100 is because all the teams are playing eachother so they will be taking points away from eachother like tonight with Vancouver-LA...unless there are a bunch of 3 point games.

Vancouver 2 Los Angeles 1

after first period (on OLN)

Vancouver 2 Los Angeles 1

after first period (on OLN)

That's good news. Hopefully Vancouver pulls it out. I'd rather have the lower team lose and have a more uphill climb (in this case LA).

2-2 now.

Just turned 3-2 Kings.

Parrish has two goals.

That's good news. Hopefully Vancouver pulls it out. I'd rather have the lower team lose and have a more uphill climb (in this case LA).

But LA is likely ahead of VAN because they have a game in hand, and each game so far this year has been worth about 1.14 standings points for LA.

VAN scores, 3-3. Just hope they don't tie in reg.

not really...if a tiebreaker is needed, the teams have the same amount of points. Means, the teams behind us would win more games than we do, thus would have equal/more wins than the ducks...

don't know if you guys get my point...it's kind of hard to explain my thoughts in english :)

They (the teams behind the Ducks) could earn those points by OTLs, and not increase their number of wins.

4-3 Vancouver. Make that 5-3.

7-3 Vancouver, no OT tonight!! Alex Burrows with a hatty. We will now be 5 points up on L.A with 2 games in hand.

I guess it's safe to say this just further highlights LA's perennial problem, high-octane offense & offensive play-style with defensively poor team playing in front of no.2 goalie.

Dave Taylor will get the boot after the season, this is not the first season he has done the same mistakes.

Vancouver is playing good hockey. If they get Jovo and Salo back soon...

This is a big loss for the Kings.

with 10 games left they have to go 7-3 to maybe sneak in, but more likely need to go 8-2 to get in.

Updated Standings:

1.) Detroit 71 GP (105 Points)

2.) Dallas 71 GP (99 Points)

3.) Calgary 71 GP (86 Points)

4.) Nashville 71 GP (92 Points)

5.) Anaheim 70 GP (86 Points)

6.) Colorado 72 GP (86 Points)

7.) Edmonton 72 GP (84 Points)

8.) Vancouver 73 GP (84 Points)

------------------------------------

9.) San Jose 70 GP (82 Points)

10.) Los Angeles 72 GP (81 Points)

Kings are really in deep doo doo now. They need to go 7-2-1 to get to 96 points ... I don't think they can avoid getting more than 2 regulation losses the rest of the way.

I guess it's safe to say this just further highlights LA's perennial problem, high-octane offense & offensive play-style with defensively poor team playing in front of no.2 goalie.


Maybe that's what they call, "serious hockey."

In a perfect world, we'd be the ones giving them two regulation losses.

Maybe that's what they call, "serious hockey."
Seriously....get some defensemen.

ahahaha Kings got *****

Seriously....get some defensemen.

Well, they never said it was seriously GOOD hockey, so you can't accuse them of false advertising.

The Kings current road trip is probably the nail in their coffin. The back to back on wednesday and thursday in Alberta is likely to push them further from the pack.

Games of interest for tomorrow, Tuesday Mar. 28th:

San Jose @ Columbus 4:00 P.T.
Minnesota @ Edmonton 6:00 P.T.
Anaheim @ Colorado 6:00 P.T.
Nashville @ Phoenix 6:00 P.T.

Games of interest for tomorrow, Tuesday Mar. 28th:

San Jose @ Columbus 4:00 P.T.
Minnesota @ Edmonton 6:00 P.T.
Anaheim @ Colorado 6:00 P.T.
Nashville @ Phoenix 6:00 P.T.

Go Jackets, Minnesota, and Phoenix!! :hockey:

To make 96 points, the following teams must win at least the number of games indicated:

Nashville 2 out of 11 remaining
Anaheim 5 out of 12
Calgary 5 out of 11
Colorado 5 out of 10
San Jose 7 out of 12
Edmonton 6 out of 10
Vancouver 6 out of 9
LA 7.5 out of 10

To make 96 points, the following teams must win at least the number of games indicated:

Nashville 2 out of 11 remaining
Anaheim 5 out of 12
Calgary 5 out of 11
Colorado 5 out of 10
San Jose 7 out of 12
Edmonton 6 out of 10
Vancouver 6 out of 9
LA 7.5 out of 10

based on that I'd say the Kings won't make it, and one of Edmonton/Vancouver won't make it.

this was a good outcome for the ducks. The ducks have 3 in hand on VAN with a 2 point lead and a head to head matchup this week.

the ducks are up five on the kings with 2 in hand, we beat them in the 2 remaining matchups and their in the ducks rear view mirror for good imo.

Sharks will make it, easy schedule, road games but not too difficult.

with all the NW head to heads left, atleast one of cal/van/edm/col should fall out. even with OT games losing points puts you on the outside looking in.

Rick Nash 2, Sharks 1 in the 3rd period.

Hartigan makes it 3-1 Jackets.

good job BJs! 4-1 win.

2-1 Edmonton after 2 periods.

3-2 Phoenix after 2 periods.

Edmonton-Minnesota 2-2 with 10:00 to play.

Edmonton, Nashville, San Jose all lose in regulation.

Anaheim@Dallas

L.A@Calgary

Minnesota@Vancouver

I'm thinking Vancouver will take both of its home games against Minny. As for the L.A/Calgary game, as long as it ends in regulation than that is good I guess? I don't see L.A. making the playoffs so than I think to go for them tonight. However I don't want them gaining momentum to get them back in the thick of things so... :dunno: ...go regulation time...

Calgary over LA 2-1.

Kings are gonna need a big time push in order to make it in the top eight. Minny and Vancouver are just getting under way. GO MINNY!

yeah Kings have to go 7-2 to maybe sneak in.

Too tough of a schedule to do that.

Ducks need to go 5-5.

A Vancouver regulation loss would be nice...

Vancouver 1 Minnesota 1 in the 2nd period.

One of the Sedins scored...then Rolston scored 40 seconds later to tie it.

End of the second now, Van still tied with Minny 1-1.

End of the second now, Van still tied with Minny 1-1.

11 minutes left, same score.

Wow, thanks a lot Minny.

Vancouver scores on the PP with seven seconds left in regulation, Canucks win 2-1.

Game of interest for tomorrow, Thursday March 30th:

Detroit @ Nashville 5:00 P.T.
Los Angeles @ Edmonton 6:00 P.T.
Phoenix @ San Jose 7:30 P.T.

We need a REGULATION game between LA and Edmonton. Hopefully Phoenix can pull one out in San Jose. On a lesser note, a Detroit win over Nashville could help us out.

Game of interest for tomorrow, Thursday March 30th:

Detroit @ Nashville 5:00 P.T.
Los Angeles @ Edmonton 6:00 P.T.
Phoenix @ San Jose 7:30 P.T.

We need a REGULATION game between LA and Edmonton. Hopefully Phoenix can pull one out in San Jose. On a lesser note, a Detroit win over Nashville could help us out.


I don't care at all what Nashville is doing...seriously, we need to focus on the teams behind us! It seems to me like everybody thinks the Ducks are going to make the playoffs anyway...it's gonna be a hard piece of work! A real hard piece!

I never thought I would hear myself say this but GO KINGS!

With the weak schedule San Jose has, we need to the Oilers to fall out of the playoffs.

I never thought I would hear myself say this but GO KINGS!
4-0 Oilers :shakehead

San Jose is leading Pheonix 2-1 in the 2nd.

4-0 Oilers :shakehead

San Jose is leading Pheonix 2-1 in the 2nd.

The Kings looked horrible. They gave up already when there are so many games left. Now, we got to compete against either the oilers or sharks.

4-0 Oilers :shakehead

San Jose is leading Pheonix 2-1 in the 2nd.

Pheonix is now leading 3-2 near the start of the 3rd period.

Pheonix is now leading 3-2 near the start of the 3rd period.

4-2!

Whoa, Sharks had a crap-easy week but they really tanked it!

Figures. With a defense like ours, I'm surprised that we're even in a playoff race. Way too young.

well the Kings are done...if the Sharks can't beat teams like Phoenix at home then maybe they will be the other team who misses the playoffs.

4-2!

5-2 final.

Well its in the books, the Sharks lose to the Yotes! :handclap:

Talk about laying an egg. The Sharks should be ashamed of themselves.

Figures. With a defense like ours, I'm surprised that we're even in a playoff race. Way too young.

4 rookies dressed on D for Phoenix tonight. Still beat ya. :sarcasm: Seidenberg isnt exactly experienced either. So that leaves... just Morris.

4 rookies dressed on D for Phoenix tonight. Still beat ya. :sarcasm: Seidenberg isnt exactly experienced either. So that leaves... just Morris.

Phoenix seems to be really good when they're not playing the Ducks. :)

Phoenix seems to be really good when they're not playing the Ducks. :)
Was it 15 out of 16 this year from them? I know it was good.

I love Phoenix!

their our ***** but have been doing pretty decent against other contenders.

ducks take care of business this weekend and they are in great shape.

San Jose probably has to go 7-3 in their final 10 games to make it, and their schedule isn't as easy now that the CBJ, Chicago, and St. Louis games are out of the way.

They are 3-3 in their last 6. I don't see them going on a 7-3 tear now that their schedule is a little harder. LA and San Jose will miss the playoffs and Anaheim will represent for California.

Colorado 2 Calgary 1 after first period.

Vancouver Minnesota 0-0 in the first.

3-2 Calgary in the 2nd.

Vancouver/Minnesota 0-0 after 1 period.

Vancouver and Minnesota in OT.

Minnesota 2 Vancouver 1 (shootout)

Vancouver gets 1 point...

Updated Standings: (If I made a mistake, please tell me.)

1.) X-Detroit* 73 GP (108 Points)

2.) X-Dallas* 73 GP (102 Points)

3.) Calgary* 73 GP (90 Points)

4.) Nashville 73 GP (92 Points)

5.) Anaheim 73 GP (88 Points)

6.) Colorado 74 GP (88 Points)

7.) Vancouver 75 GP (87 Points)

8.) Edmonton 74 GP (86 Points)

------------------------------------

9.) San Jose 72 GP (82 Points)

10.) Los Angeles 74 GP (81 Points)

Updated Standings: (If I made a mistake, please tell me.)
I believe we have 2 games in hand on Vancouver. Sundays game is huge, we could go 3 points up with 2 in hand.

I believe we have 2 games in hand on Vancouver. Sundays game is huge, we could go 3 points up with 2 in hand.

Thanks for catching that. :)

I believe we have 2 games in hand on Vancouver. Sundays game is huge, we could go 3 points up with 2 in hand.

It is huge. Tuesday's game is huge for the Kings, as they are basically screwed if they lose in regulation again.

Man, Nashville isnt that far away...


NINJA EDIT: Bah, they get St. Louis, Columbus, and Chicago next, so never mind.

Man, Nashville isnt that far away...

Yep. Even with the Ducks struggles this week, the Preds are within reaching distance. They play a struggling St. Louis team tomorrow at home, so if they lose that one that would be BIG.

Tuesday's game is huge for the Kings, as they are basically screwed if they lose in regulation again.
It's a big game for us as we need the points, the Kings are pretty much done, infact when we start a new thread on monday, IMO they don't have to be included! :)

Games of interest for tomorrow, April 1:

St. Louis @ Nashville 5:00 P.T.
Calgary @ Edmonton 7:00 P.T.
Dallas @ Los Angeles 7:30 P.T.
Phoenix @ San Jose 7:30 P.T.

Go visiting teams!

It's a big game for us as we need the points, the Kings are pretty much done, infact when we start a new thread on monday, IMO they don't have to be included! :)

Well, with a Kings win tomorrow and an Oilers loss, LA would be just three points out. I doubt the Kings beat the Stars, but anything is possible.

Well, with a Kings win tomorrow and an Oilers loss, LA would be just three points out. I doubt the Kings beat the Stars, but anything is possible.
Thats true, I was looking at it from a Ducks point of a view and we are now 7 up with a game in hand on them.

Thats true, I was looking at it from a Ducks point of a view and we are now 7 up with a game in hand on them.

Yeah, there's basically no chance the Kings pass the Ducks. They do still have a shot at a playoff spot though.

Calgary 3 Edmonton 1 late in the 2nd.

Phoenix 2 San Jose 0 in the 2nd.

LA 1 Dallas 0 in the 2nd.

Nashville 2 St. Louis 1 final score.

Wow, Avery killing Morrow in a fight. I guess Perry didn't do too bad afterall in his scrum with Avery.

I don't believe the Sharks getting worked by Phoenix. If they can't beat the Coyote, they don't belong in the playoffs.

Wow, Avery killing Morrow in a fight. I guess Perry didn't do too bad afterall in his scrum with Avery.

I don't believe the Sharks getting worked by Phoenix. If they can't beat the Coyote, they don't belong in the playoffs.

I have a suspicion that Phoenix is one of the best teams in the west when they arent getting bent over by the Ducks... :innocent:

I don't believe the Sharks getting worked by Phoenix. If they can't beat the Coyote, they don't belong in the playoffs.

That's how their season's gone all year ... get hot for a little bit, then go ice cold. They have the coveted 1-2 punch at center, but their goaltending is inconsistent, and their team defense is BRUTAL.

Just look at tonight ... while on the PP, they gave up a 2 on 1, a breakaway, and then a 2nd breakaway for a shorthanded goal. Oh look, as I'm typing they gave up ANOTHER breakaway.

Even if they make the playoffs, they'll get eaten alive playing that kind of defense.

I have a suspicion that Phoenix is one of the best teams in the west when they arent getting bent over by the Ducks... :innocent:


I actually have a suspicion that Thornton doesn't show up for important games. I just don't know why I'm feeling this. ;)

I have a suspicion that Phoenix is one of the best teams in the west when they arent getting bent over by the Ducks... :innocent:

Reinprecht with two goals last game, two goals tonight so far.

Edmonton and San Jose down by 3 goals.
Kings up by 1.
Early 3rd period, all games.

so much for that. SJ and Phoenix are tied at three. :shakehead

so much for that. SJ and Phoenix are tied at three. :shakehead
tell me about it, the stars blew a 3 goal 3rd period lead vs the kings earlier in the year and now the puppies do too :shakehead

Reinprecht pwns the Sharks with a hattrick!

What could have been a great night turned into an average night. Dallas somehow loses to the Kings, and Phoenix blows a three goal lead. Well, atleast SJ only gets one point and Edmonton lost.

Updated Standings: (If I made a mistake, please tell me.)

1.) X-Detroit* 73 GP (108 Points)

2.) X-Dallas* 74 GP (102 Points)

3.) Calgary* 74 GP (92 Points)

4.) Nashville 74 GP (94 Points)

5.) Anaheim 73 GP (88 Points)

6.) Colorado 74 GP (88 Points)

7.) Vancouver 75 GP (87 Points)

8.) Edmonton 75 GP (86 Points)

------------------------------------

9.) San Jose 73 GP (83 Points)

10.) Los Angeles 75 GP (83 Points)

At least Edmonton and San Jose lost. :dunno:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pwns

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pwns
I usually hate that but I just wanted to say it.

Updated Standings: (If I made a mistake, please tell me.)

1.) X-Detroit* 74 GP (110 Points)

2.) X-Dallas* 74 GP (102 Points)

3.) Calgary* 74 GP (92 Points)

4.) Nashville 74 GP (94 Points)

5.) Anaheim 74 GP (90 Points)

6.) Colorado 74 GP (88 Points)

7.) Vancouver 76 GP (87 Points)

8.) Edmonton 75 GP (86 Points)

------------------------------------

9.) San Jose 73 GP (83 Points)

10.) Los Angeles 75 GP (83 Points)

We've got a nice seven point gap before we can fall out the playoffs, and the way this team is going I can't see use loosing that much before the end of the season.

We've got a nice seven point gap before we can fall out the playoffs, and the way this team is going I can't see use loosing that much before the end of the season.
Yea, I think now we can focus more on positioning than making it. I'm not saying we are in but I'll be watching Vancouver and Colorado more closely than say L.A and San Jose. Finshing 5/6 would be nice.

I'd really like to see a Nashville/Anaheim series, we would have a good chance and it would be a great series to watch. However it will be difficult to finish 5th with our schedule.

I like the idea of a Preds match up, we got seven out of eight points out of them this year. A few more wins can't be that hard...

A nashville series is the best matchup IMO, the only thing I worry about is Vokouns ability to steal games

I want the 4th seed... and I want to beat Nashville.

....Nothing to see here......