The Los Angeles Kings could clinch a playoff spot as early as tomorrow.
The simplest way for the Kings to clinch would be for Detroit to lose in regulation in Vancouver tomorrow night. Another scenario that would allow Los Angeles to clinch tomorrow is if Dallas loses in regulation tonight in St. Louis, coupled with a Detroit loss (in any fashion) in Vancouver.
If those stipulations are not met, then Los Angeles could clinch a playoff berth by beating Dallas at home on Sunday.
Regardless of how they get there, the Kings are virtually assured a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Even if they were to go 0-4-0, SportsClubStats.com has their chances of making the playoffs at 98.8%.
When identifying potential first round opponents, SportsClubStats.com has calculated an 89.9% chance that Los Angeles will face a team from a group of San Jose (47.9%), St. Louis (29.9%) or Vancouver (12.1%). There is a 5.6% chance that Minnesota would match up as the first round opponent.
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