The Hunt For A PlayOff Spot

The Los Angeles Kings record their second loss in a row, after a three-game win streak. Losing 7-3 tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. Their chances at a playoff spot dwindle down. Currently, the Kings are three points away from a wildcard spot. How they got in this position is unknown as they were looking good battling the Las Vegas Golden Knights for the number one spot in the West Division. However, they did a complete 180 from where they were. Goals aren’t being saved from Jonathan Quick’s end who suffered an injury just before the All-Star break. His injury caused him to be a no-show for the All-Star game, giving him some time to rest. Darcy Kuemper got the start for the following game and has been doing quite the job being the starting goalie for the Kings. In fact, it was Kuemper who was put in tonight after Quick was pulled. As Kuemper picks up the slack of Quick and makes great saves, the losing ultimately has to fault to the lack of scoring. Another factor that is playing into that is the guys out on injury. Jeff Carter who is a key player in the Kings lineup was injured October 18th in the game against the Montreal Canadiens. Taking a skate to the ankle, he suffered a damaged ankle tendon. As of now a time-able return for Carter would be the end of

February, as he is able to move around, and has been out on the ice during practice.Trevor Lewis was then placed on the injured list today, with an undisclosed injury. Missing from the Kings lineup was also Mr. Jazz Hands Alec Martinez who made a return to the lineup on February 9th, as well as Marian Gaborik and Nick Shore who were also listed on the IR. However, both Gaborik and Shore were traded today to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Dion Phaneuf and Nate Thompson. With that being said maybe the scoring slump is due to all the injuries. Whatever the issue...hopefully, the Kings find the momentum they need to finish their next four games out of their seven-game road trip off on a stronger note.