The Anaheim Ducks became the fourth team to clinch a playoff berth - without even stepping foot on the ice. They look to increase their lead in the Pacific Division on Saturday, when they visit the rival Los Angeles Kings. Anaheim, which has been idle since dropping a 4-1 decision to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, has a nine-point division lead on Los Angeles with seven games remaining.
While a division title may not be attainable for the Kings, home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs certainly is. Los Angeles begins play Saturday in fourth place in the Western Conference, one point ahead of the San Jose Sharks. The Kings are riding a four-game home winning streak and also have captured four straight against the Ducks in their own building.
TV: 11 p.m. ET, NHL Network, KDOC (Anaheim), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE DUCKS (27-9-5): Defenseman Cam Fowler is questionable for Saturday's game due to an upper-body injury. "He's been told he can wake up (Saturday) and be great," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "He's feeling better every day. The trainer is the one who will indicate whether he's got the ability to play or not." Center Nick Bonino skated for a fourth consecutive day on Friday but remains out with a lower-body injury. "Anything can change, but that would be a perfect timeline, if he could get three or even a maximum of four games in," Boudreau said.
ABOUT THE KINGS (23-14-4): Defenseman Matt Greene, who has not played since the season opener due to a back issue that required surgery, has yet to be cleared for contact. The 29-year-old was hoping to have limited contact. If Greene does not get clearance and return to action soon, he may have to wait until next season. "Quite honest, if he's not ready to play three or four games and if we made the playoffs, I'd have trouble putting him in (the lineup)," coach Darryl Sutter said.
OVERTIME
1. Kings D Drew Doughty had his three-game goal-scoring streak snapped in Thursday's shootout win over Colorado.
2. Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf returned on Wednesday after missing three games with a leg injury.
3. The home team has won six of the last seven games in the all-time series.
PREDICTION: Kings 4, Ducks 3