BLUES (35-27-5) at KINGS (37-25-5) 4 p.m. ET; NHLN-US, FS-W, FS-MN, NHL.TV
The Blues, who are on a six-game road losing streak (0-4-2), trail the Kings by four points for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Western Conference. The Blues are 1-7-2 in their past 10 games. Los Angeles, one point behind the Anaheim Ducks for third place in the Pacific Division, is 7-3-0 in its past 10 games.
Players to watch
Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko has nine points (five goals, four assists) in his past 11 games. Kings forward Jeff Carter has five points (four goals, one assist) in six games since missing 55 games because of a lower-body injury.
They said it
"It's desperation mode now. It's literally every game is a must. If we lose in overtime, then so be it, but we get a point and move up in a positive way in the standings." -- Blues goalie Jake Allen "I think there's times when we've really been good at it, and I'd just like to see that part of our game be a real consistent part of our game that we can rely on for zone time, scoring chances." -- Kings coach John Stevens on the Los Angeles' forechecking
Husso was recalled from San Antonio of the American Hockey League on an emergency basis on Thursday, but could not get to San Jose in time to back up Allen. Husso joined the team in Los Angeles. … Blais and Edmundson are each on the road trip.
Stat pack
Pearson has two goals and one assist in a three-game point streak. … The Blues have scored 14 goals in their past 10 games and have been shut out three times.
