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PHT Morning Skate: Kings get second chance to finish off ‘Hawks

Dwight King, Justin Williams, Nick Leddy

Los Angeles Kings left wing Dwight King (74) and right wing Justin Williams (14) battle for the puck against Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy (8) during the first period in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday, May 28, 2014, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

AP

The Los Angeles Kings have yet another opportunity to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Final and the Chicago Blackhawks have another opportunity to stay alive.

This time around, if they pull off a victory, it’ll mean a Game 7 back at United Center.

GAME 6: Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks [Los Angeles leads series 3-2] (9:00 p.m. ET – NBCSN)

It hasn’t exactly been a goaltending showdown in the West. After watching Henrik Lundqvist and Dustin Tokarski look like world-beaters in the East, what we’ve seen out of Corey Crawford and Jonathan Quick hasn’t been at all impressive.

Of course, impressions can all be altered in a game and we’ve seen enough highlight reel stops from both goalies to remind us that they can be big factors. One thing both Crawford and Quick could stand to use is a stiffer effort from their defenses.

We’ve seen great offense generated in L.A. by Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin and we saw Chicago’s defense pick things up in Game 5 with Brent Seabrook and Johnny Oduya, but helping stop opponents would do a lot of good. With how loose this series has been, you know it’s driving both Darryl Sutter and Joel Quenneville bonkers.

If there’s one thing the Kings desperately want to do it’s to avoid playing a Game 7 back in Chicago.

What to watch: Whether or not Kris Versteeg suits up for Chicago. Versteeg had a terrible Game 5 and found himself watching more than playing in the third period and through overtime.

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