Seriously. And without a semi-remotely barely present powerplay, the Kings’ season will come to a quick end (pun half intended).
The Blackhawks are in an EXCELLENT position - Fan Appreciation Day at United Center against Detroit, and all they have to do to clinch a playoff berth...is to not lose in regulation. If they get just one point, they end with 98. Dallas, even with a regulation win, could only get to 97. Bye bye Dallas.
Now, if - let’s say - Chicago does lose in regulation, and Dallas wins its last game on Sunday, in Minnesota. That would give both teams 97 points. Dallas would have to win the game either in regulation or overtime to match Chicago’s current 38 ROW (reg + ot wins) to force the third tiebreaker and it is convoluted as hell.
I was there at game 7 last year when the Kings were eliminated by the Canucks...GD sweet. Walked out of Staples Center with a damn smile on my face for the next 24 hours...even after being threatened to get my ass kicked.