Los Angeles Kings: Without Dustin Brown Will the Kings Fall to 6th in the West?

Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown delivered a nasty elbow to Jason Pommiville’s head Tuesday in Minnesota. The Wild went on to beat the Kings 2-1, and Pommiville did not return to the game.

The NHL announced Wednesday that Brown, who did not receive a penalty on the play, would be suspended for two games—the first of which took place Wednesday night in Detroit against the Red Wings. 

The Kings put forth a decent effort in what was their second of back-to-back road games. However, they failed to convert on the power play (0-3) and were outshot 36-24. Ultimately, they came up empty without their captain, falling 3-1 to a desperate Detroit team that moved into eighth in the West with the win. 

The Kings and the San Jose Sharks were tied with 57 points heading into the night, but the Kings sat in fourth spot because of their 24 regulation and overtime wins. The Sharks, who have just 17 ROW, were also in action Wednesday and lost 2-1 to the Phoenix Coyotes. 

That sets up a crucial final game between the two clubs Saturday, which should determine who gets home-ice advantage in the postseason. 

Or will it? 

The St. Louis Blues are just one point behind the Kings and Sharks and still have two games to play. Both games are at home, against the dreadful Calgary Flames and the President’s trophy winning Chicago Blackhawks. The Blues have 22 ROW thus far. 

It’s possible the Kings and Sharks could be battling for fifth place and a trip to St. Louis, rather than home ice advantage.



With that in mind, the Kings will have to beat the Sharks without Brown, who has played a big role in their three meetings this season. 

In a 4-3 loss in mid-March, Brown had two goals and five shots. Two days later the Kings got the best of the Sharks in a rematch, beating them 5-2. Brown registered an assist and was...

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