Game Thread: Oilers @ Kings - Escape From LA

Anaheim served up a piping hot dish of reality to the Oilers last night. The Oilers went in buzzing from a three game win streak only to come face-to-face with a stone cold Stanley Cup contender. Each of the Oilers' mistakes were magnified as the Ducks capitalized on every one.

Tonight they face a win-at-all-costs LA Kings who are still clawing their way toward a playoff spot. They come into it three points behind the Calgary Flames, who occupy the third spot in the Pacific Division, and two points behind the Winnipeg Jets who are squatting in the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference.

How to tune in

Puck drops at 8:30 GMT on Sportsnet West.

What to watch for from the Oilers

Veteran grinder, smack-talker, and recent Masterton trophy nominee Matt Hendricks returns to the lineup after missing three games due to injury.

Look for a more disciplined, if exhausted, Oilers after last night's debacle that included Hall getting called for unsportsmanlike after lipping off a ref, repeated lost battles on the boards, fumbled pucks, and shameful, shameful line changes.

What to watch for from the Kings

The LA Kings don't even have a playoff spot and hockey analysts still haven't ruled them out from winning the Stanley Cup. LA Is the strongest defensive team in the league.

The Kings come in much more rested after getting crushed 4-1 by Chicago on Monday.

Expect Dustin Brown to "accidentally" skate into our goalie, Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin to soak up scoring chances like a black hole; and Tyler Toffoli to probably completely undress our defense at least once. Just throwing that out there.

Final thought

Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau: L.A. Kings will make the playoffs http://t.co/vYyO6mRUNG pic.twitter.com/gIQFMC8teN

— Hockey Central (@SNHockeyCentral) April 2, 2015