Morning Skate: April 7

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Coyotes 4, Blues 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Mike Smith, PHX (31 saves)
2. Mikkel Boedker, PHX (1 goal, 1 assist)
3. Shane Doan, PHX (1 goal)
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Tonight’s slate:
Blackhawks @ Red Wings, 1:00 ET
Senators @ Devils, 3:00
Sabres @ Bruins, 4:00
Flyers @ Penguins, 4:00
Ducks @ Flames, 4:00
Capitals @ Rangers, 6:30
Maple Leafs @ Canadiens, 7:00
Lightning @ Jets, 7:00
Islanders @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Hurricanes @ Panthers, 7:30
Coyotes @ Wild, 8:00
Blues @ Stars, 8:00
Predators @ Avalanche, 9:00
Oilers @ Canucks, 10:00
Kings @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
Los Angeles Kings @ San Jose Sharks
10:30 ET… TV: NBC Sports Network, Local Networks

Records:
Overall: Kings (40-27-14) … Sharks (42-29-10)
Away/Home: Kings (18-13-9) … Sharks (25-12-3)
Last 10: Kings (6-2-2) … Sharks (6-4-0)
Season Series: 3-2 Sharks

Projected starting goaltenders:
LA- Jonathan Quick (2011-12 stats: 35-21-12, 1.93 GAA)
SJ- Antti Niemi (2011-12 stats: 34-22-9, 2.42 GAA)

Injury report:
LA- Jeff Carter (ankle, doubtful), Simon Gagne (concussion, out), Scott Parse (hip, out)
SJ- Douglas Murray (lower body, questionable)

Three things to watch:
1. Pacific Division title (possibly) on the line
With Phoenix’s win last night, the winner of tonight’s game no longer has control of its own destiny for the Pacific Division. If Phoenix wins again tonight, they will claim the division title. If they lose in regulation at Minnesota, tonight’s winner in the Bay Area will win the division and finished third in the West. With the Coyotes starting 2.5 hours before puck-drop in San Jose, the Sharks and Kings will know early what they’re playing for.
2. Will emotions carry over from Thursday?
On top of the fact that this could be the game that decides the Pacific Division, the Sharks and Kings are less than 48 hours removed from a heated game in Los Angeles that saw Team Teal win 6-5 in controversial fashion. With there being a lot riding on this game, you can expect tensions to be high once again. Will any Kings take a run at Ryane Clowe? This shapes up to be an entertaining contest.
3. Quick’s last Vezina showcase
In the last week or two, Jonathan Quick has been gaining steam in the Vezina Trophy race. Henrik Lundqvist hasn’t been the same since the start of March, while Quick has been consistent all year. This is Quick’s last chance to prove he should be the Vezina favorite before the NHL general managers cast their vote by Wednesday.

Final thoughts: Whether the Coyotes have the division wrapped up by puck-drop or not, this game has drama written all over it. The game could only come down to seeding, but the Kings will be looking for retribution for Thursday. I think they’ll get it in the same result as two nights ago. Prediction: Kings 3, Sharks 2 (SO)

The rest of today’s predictions:
Red Wings over Blackhawks
Senators over Devils
Bruins over Sabres
Penguins over Flyers
Ducks over Flames
Capitals over Rangers
Canadiens over Maple Leafs
Jets over Lightning
Blue Jackets over Islanders
Hurricanes over Panthers
Wild over Coyotes
Blues over Stars
Avalanche over Predators
Canucks over Oilers
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Video of the day:


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