Kings at Blackhawks
THE STORY: It's easy to understand if the Los
Angeles Kings are a bit giddy right now. After all, the club posted an
offensive explosion in their last game - at least by its standards.
Coach Darryl Sutter's club recorded its highest-scoring output in over a
month in Monday's 4-3 triumph over the Pacific Division rival Phoenix
Coyotes. The Kings scored at least three goals for the first time since
Nov. 22 - a span of 15 contests. Los Angeles will have a tough time
posting its fifth win in seven games on Wednesday when it visits the
Chicago Blackhawks. Coach Joel Quenneville's club has won a season-best
five in a row at home to improve to 13-2-3 at the United Center and
ascend to the top of the NHL standings. Chicago won its second straight
and improved to 11-2-1 in its last 14 with a 4-1 triumph over the
Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSW, CSCH
ABOUT THE KINGS (17-14-5): Captain Dustin Brown scored
for the fourth time in six games and notched his 150th career goal in
Monday's victory. G Jonathan Quick has posted a 3-0-1 mark in his last
four contests, but is just 2-9-1 with a 2.80 goals-against average
versus the Blackhawks. Veteran LW Simon Gagne sat out the third period
of Monday's tilt after being "banged up" earlier in the contest. On
Tuesday, the team admitted that Gagne suffered yet another concussion.
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (23-9-4): Viktor Stalberg tallied
twice on Monday and now has four goals and three assists in his last
four contests. Pushed by the strong effort of Ray Emery, Corey Crawford
has responded by stopping 57 of 59 shots in his last two games. Crawford
has won all four career starts versus the Kings, posting a 1.75
goals-against average in the process. Stanley Cup hero Patrick Kane
missed practice on Tuesday with an illness and is questionable for
Wednesday's contest.
OVERTIME:
1. Kings D Drew Doughty has collected four assists in as many
games, matching a career high. Doughty has struggled versus the
Blackhawks, posting a minus-5 in 12 career outings.
2. Blackhawks LW Daniel Carcillo may return to the ice on Wednesday
after being sidelined for five games with an upper body injury.