KBPP Preview: Kings vs Oilers

Two straight losses took some wind out of the Kings playoff sails until a much needed win in Calgary brought the boys back to life. Now we face the bottom-feeding Oilers, who are out of the playoffs and playing only for the joy of being a spoiler. For the first time since the trade deadline, the Kings will be without Jeff Carter which presents a challenge we'd prefer not to have. But you know what they say about adversity, right?

Can the Kings continue their climb back towards a possible Pacific Division title? Or will our playoff hopes hit an oil slick? Here's what your Kings blogger panel predicts.

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The Royal Half from The Royal Half
@theroyalhalf
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score: Kings 1, Oilers 0, shootout
• Reason: Because the Kings want to make it as close as they can.
• Record:16-11

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty 
@RinkRoyaltyJon
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Kings 4, Oilers 2
• Reason: No reason. It must be so.
• Record: 15-12

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
@LAKingsCourt
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score:  Kings 3, Oilers 0
• Reason: The Kings are suddenly without star shoot-first forward Jeff Carter, but the Oilers have key injuries of their own. Quick has been a rock for the Kings all season and this is the perfect chance for him to increase his record shut out total to a nice round number 10. Some contributions from the guy in the number 10 jersey are overdue and should help the cause.
• Record: 15-12

Hipcheck from LA Kings Road Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letsgokings

• Score:  Kings 3, Oilers 0
• Reason: Kings keep the win streak moving against the Oils. Kopi and Brown keep the scoring alive for a pair and Mike Krushelnyski scores the EN as the Kings go 3-0 in back to back games.
• Record: 13-14

Wavesinair from Deep Inside the Kings@deepinsidekings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Kings new and unimproved lineup 3, the stinkin oily bastars, 2...decided in overtime with Richardson scoring the game winner.
• Reason: Like the Ducks have the Sharks number, it seems the Oilers have the Kings. Interesting how the two teams battling for a spot (Kings/Sharks) are bitches to inferior teams (Ducks/Sharks) and how much this little circle of hatred is going to determine the outcome. I predict that if the Kings win tonight, they'll make the playoffs. If they lose, they're out. Therefore, I must go with my heart on this on, regardless of how much I believe the stinky Oil can very well ruin our year. Oh and by the way, Smyth is only one of two Oilers to have played every game this year. We sure could have used him if he wasn't such a quitter.
• Record: 15-12

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
@Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score:  Kings 2, Oilers 1
• Reason: The Kings are battling for their playtoff lives, while the Oilers are playing out the string. Needless to say, all the pressure will be on L.A. The Kings also may have to contend with not playing with Jeff Carter, who has energized the team since joining the ranks of the Royal Regiment. Brad Richardson is getting a chance to roll with the big dogs. I'm thinking he'll respond as the Kings tap the Oil to remain entrenched in the playoffs.
• Record: 15-12

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!