NHL Update: The defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings once again have had problems scoring goals based in larger part to an injury bug that has bitten key elements of their lineup. RW Marion Gaborik has been out with an upper body issue and with his absence has been a noticeable lack of goal scoring.
The Kings ranked 25th in the NHL for goals scored and 23rd on the power play. Gaborik arrived last spring at the trade deadline and was instrumental in getting the Kings offense jump started for their epic 2014 playoff run. Another key asset that has been missing is C Anze Kopitar, perhaps the top two way forward in the game.
When you add the suspension of D Slava Voynov to the equation you have three key elements of offense that the Kings desperately need. The Kings lack of goal scoring was problematic on the road where they failed to win their first four away matches after a powerful 6-1 start at home.
Wednesday Night Rivalry Night
The New York Rangers will host the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden on NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry Night with coverage starting at 8 PM ET. The Rangers have come away with the money in their last four meetings against the Red Wings with the last six meetings between the Rangers and Redwings failing to go over the total.
Hockey Night in Canada Saturday Night
CBC has an outstanding doubleheader starting with the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the New York Rangers at Air Canada Centre with a starting time at 7 PM ET. The Rangers have won six out of their last nine games against the Leafs with just three out of the last 12 meetings in their head to head series going under the total. The Leafs were showing signs of life after a poor start and ranked 10th in the NHL for goal scoring.
The Los Angeles Kings will host the Vancouver Canucks at Staples Center with a starting time of 10 PM ET. The Kings have paid out in four out of their last five meetings with the Canucks as just two out of the last 11 meetings between the Kings and Canucks going over the total.
NHL Hometown Hockey Tour Sunday Night
The Anaheim Ducks will host the Vancouver Canucks at Honda Center with coverage on CITY staring at 9 PM ET. The Canucks lost their last six consecutive meetings against the Ducks with 12 out of the last 17 meetings between the Canucks and Ducks going over the total.
