> Valley Blackout: The Kings have no problem being stingy. Their defense is arguably the best in the league with Mitchell, Scuderi, Doughty and Johnson and their netminding (between their two Jonathans) has combined for a .912 SV% and six shutouts. It’s up front where the Kings are vulnerable, as evidenced by the loss of Frolov in the offseason, gambles on Ponikarovsky and Sturm, and the deadline acquisition of Penner. Similar to Nashville, they don’t need to worry about scoring in bunches if the defense holds up. They’re a true test for a Canucks team on the ropes. 

> Pluggers FTW:

It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Sedins and Kesler lines silenced by the one-two punch of Scuderi and Mitchell pairings. If ever there was a game where we needed a stronger effort from the fouth line – or a gutsy effort from the Malhotra line – this could be it. Special teams may factor in as well; the Kings have allowed PP markers in four of their last five. An Ehrhoff sighting would be a welcome relief; he’s been without a goal since early February.

> Impress Your Friends With Knowledge!: Still waiting on those career marker goals from Ehrhoff (50th) and Malhotra (100th). Anytime now.