Ladies and gentleman, I apologize for going M.I.A. Back to the stuff you want to hear...
The Los Angeles Kings, who have won 5 of their last 6, invade the UC for what should be a great contest with a playoff "feel." The Kings are coming off a shootout win in Minnesota where goalie Jonathan Quick, who possesses a 92.6 save percentage and allows 1.95 goals per contest, both ranking 8th overall in the NHL, overcame an early 2-0 hole. Anze Kopitar, the team leader in points (8), kicked off the scoring in the shootout. 4 rounds later, center Michael Handzus put in what would be the game winner and Quick saved Antti Miettinen's 7-foot wrister to seal the deal.
On the opposing bench in red sweaters sit Chicago, who have feared the teams in blue as they dropped their last pair of games to St. Louis and Columbus. On top of that, the Hawks have allowed 5 goals in the 3rd period. How about a positive? The power play has been of great success as they rank 3rd in the NHL, converting 26.5% of their man advantages.
The big news however, comes with head coach Joel Quenneville's recent conclusion on the Hawks' woes. Patrick Kane, who was speculated to have a 100-point season going into 2010-2011, has just two goals (both coming on the power play) and a minus-7 rating. Though it may not be treated as a demotion, Kane will be skating on the third line with Dave Bolland at center and Viktor Stalberg on the opposing wing. "I should be playing better, I know that" Kane said.
Other Notables: Jack Skille will be on the first line with captain Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp. Tomas Kopecky, who missed Saturday's 3-2 loss to Columbus with an upper-body injury, will be taking the face-offs on the second line alongside Troy Brouwer and Marian Hossa. Lastly, Bryan Bickell, Jake Dowell and Fernando Pisani will be on the fourth.
Who to watch: Anze Kopitar (LA) - 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points in his last 7 games, +2 rating.
Jarret Stoll (LA) - 3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points and 3 goals in his last 6 games, +2 rating.
