NHL Hockey 4/6/10
Los Angeles Kings (44-27-1-6)-Anaheim Ducks (38-31-3-6)

By Mark-Tuesday, April 6th 2010 10 PM EST
Line- Anaheim -110

The Ducks and Kings get together for the second time in four days with Anaheim in yet another must win game. They come off a 2-1 shoot out win over these same Kings on Friday and need to win out and get some help. Anaheim is currently in the tenth spot in the Western Conference but are four points out of the 8th and final spot with just 4 games left. The Ducks got a clutch goal with under two minutes remaining from Saku Koivu to tie LA and Koivu won it with the only SO tally.

The Ducks are looking for their fifth straight playoff berth and if they some how squeeze in, it will be the first time both LA and Anaheim made the postseason in the same year. The Ducks are peaking at the right time but the question is was their run a week late in starting? Until the Ducks are mathematicly eliminated the answer is no but as well as they've played to close the season, it's been a full year of uneven play that has them on the verge becoming spectators at year's end.

Los Angeles clinched a spot in the postseason when Calgary lost to Chicago on Sunday so their concern is to stay healthy and bring momentum into the first round. Although they have limited control over injuries, playing well is something they can do something about. The Kings have played well when they've had the late lead and the numbers have been impressive. LAK are 29-0-1 this year when they are in front entering the final 20 minutes and were 32-0 over the last two years when entering the third period in front.

The reward for the Kings steady effort is their first postseason appearance in eight years, however LA has plenty to play for in the closing days. The Kings currently sit in the seventh spot but have a shot at moving as high as 4th so the final games have importance. In fact, the Kings have faltered since the Olympics, posting a 7-7-3 mark and have had defensive and special teams lapses something that could prove costly in the playoffs.

Los Angeles is 1-4 in the last 5 road games versus a team with a home winning % better than .600, 2-5 in their last 7 road games and 2-5 in the past 7 overall. Anaheim is 16-5 in their last 21 home games, 7-1 in the last 8 home contests versus a team with a winning road record and 4-1 in their past 5 overall.

The Ducks are in a perpetual game seven scenario in that a loss has them staring at the off season. The Kings have plenty to play for and simply don't want to lose back to backs. LA can improve their playoff spot if they win out so neither lacks for motivation. A good home team versus a good road squad and I'll take a chance with the more desparate.