The Western Conference's eight playoff teams are decided. All that's left to determine is seeding and matchups.
The Los Angeles Kings were eliminated from postseason contention after a 2-1 home-ice loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday, and that means the Nashville Predators are officially in.
The Kings' hopes were as slim as they could possibly get, and they arguably deserved a better fate Sunday night, outshooting Arizona 35-15. But the hockey gods care not for Corsi.
It's a disappointing end to a disappointing season for Los Angeles, and the Kings' offense is to blame. Despite being without Jonathan Quick for most of the season, L.A. went into Sunday's game ranked third in the NHL in goals against, allowing only 2.40 per game. And in that respect, the company the Kings were keeping was stellar:
| Team | GA/G | NHL Rank (Points) |
|---|---|---|
| Capitals | 2.22 | 1 |
| Blue Jackets | 2.27 | 4 |
| Kings | 2.40 | 21 |
| Canadiens | 2.42 | 8 |
| Ducks | 2.44 | 7 |
| Sharks | 2.47 | 10 |
| Oilers | 2.50 | 9 |
That Los Angeles could only manage one goal versus Arizona - a dump-in that banked in off a Coyote, at that - in a must-win game at home perfectly encapsulates their season.
For Nashville, this spring marks the Predators' third straight in the playoffs and the franchise's 10th appearance overall.
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