The Kings are young and fun, but they are not yet a powerhouse. Sounds familiar?
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(14-15-2, seventh in the Pacific Division)
in LOS ANGELES KINGS
(12-14-5, 6th in the Pacific Division)
7:30 p.m., Crypto.com Arena.
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650 AM.
WHY SEE
Two games in two nights after returning from a 13-day hiatus? The Canucks speak defiantly about the challenge, but you have to wonder how fit they’ll feel after playing Wednesday night in Anaheim.
POINT LEADERS
CANUCKS
1. JT Miller GP 31 G 10 A 22 PTS 32 (+1)
2. Quinn Hughes GP 30 G 2 A 24 PTS 26 (+9)
3. Conor Garland GP 31 G 9 A 13 PTS 22 (+7)
Kings
1. Anze Kopitar GP 31 G 9 A 19 PTS 28 (-4)
2. Alex Iafallo GP 31 G 10 A 10 PTS 20 (+5)
3. Adrian Kempe GP 31 G 13 A 6 PTS 19 (-4)
SPECIAL TEAMS
CANUCKS: PP 19.6% (15th) PK 67% (32nd)
KINGS: PP 16.7% (25th) PK 76.1% (27th)
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THREE THINGS ABOUT KINGS
• With the best of them : The Kings were crushed by the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday night, but before the NHL’s pre-Christmas hiatus they were playing well. They had scored victories over Washington, Minnesota and Florida in the eight days leading up to the break, a statement of what they are capable of on a good day.
• Working for it: According to data-tracking website Natural Stat Trick, the Kings rank fifth in the NHL for generating high-danger scoring opportunities. These are opportunities with the highest chance of scoring, all within a foot or two of the crease.
• Save: The Kings have been scoring big goals: They are the sixth best in the league at 5 on 5, with Jonathan Quick, Cal Peterson and Garret Sparks combining for a .931 save percentage. The Canucks have the second-best 5-on-5 saving percentage in the NHL at .940.
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Reference-theprovince.com