The Flames are preparing to face the Kings at the Scotiabank Saddledome. This match marks the conclusion of the Flames’ season. Meanwhile, the Kings are vying for a better spot in the Western Conference standings.
Kings Aim to Improve Playoff Prospects
The Kings enter the game holding the second Wild Card berth in the Western Conference. A win, combined with favourable results elsewhere, could see Los Angeles finish as high as second in the Pacific Division. This would help them avoid a first-round playoff matchup against the Avalanche.
L.A. has been in good form, posting a 6-0-2 record in their last eight games. Their most recent game was a 4-3 overtime loss to Vancouver on Tuesday. Quinton Byfield, Adrian Kempe and Alex Laferriere scored for the Kings.
Flames Season Concludes
The Flames’ season comes to an end after six months and eight days. It’s a final opportunity for the team to make a last impression before the off-season. The season has been one of change, with several players from the opening-night roster now injured, in the AHL, or with other NHL clubs. A growing youth movement has taken their place.
Matvei Gridin, who scored his first NHL goal in Game 1, has become a threat on even-strength and the powerplay. Zayne Parekh has been playing his best hockey in recent weeks. Yan Kuznetsov’s emergence as a top-four defenceman since being recalled from the AHL is also encouraging.
Devin Cooley has been a surprise this season, solidifying the Flames’ crease alongside Dustin Wolf. He has a .909 save percentage. Captain Mikael Backlund and the rest of the team are disappointed not to have built on last season’s near playoff miss.
Celebrating Anze Kopitar’s Career
This game is also a celebration of Anze Kopitar. The Kings’ captain will play his final regular-season game at the Scotiabank Saddledome. This marks the end of a 20-year career spent entirely with Los Angeles, during which he won Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. Teams across the League have been recognising Kopitar’s exceptional career.
The Flames will get one more chance at a win before the summer break.