The NHL season is in full swing and it has been an exiciting one thus far. There has been a lot of exciting play and a lot of reasons to watch. We are a little past a 3rd of the way through the season so the potential playoff standings are just starting to take shape. The Western Conference has been very impressive and we are in for a treat as two of the top teams in the Western Conference clash this week. The Winnipeg Jets will go on the road against the Los Angeles Kings in a pivotal matchup. Both teams find themselves entrenched in a playoff position and will be looking to continue their winning ways. I will preview the matchup and predict who will skate away with a victory.

Jets vs Kings Preview and Analysis
Winnipeg Jets
Current Season
After squeaking into the playoffs last season, Winnipeg was hoping to have a stronger position this season. So far they have delivered well and find themselves currently in 6th place in the Western Conference while playing fewer games than the top teams. They have done this with a stout defense as they find themselves currently 7th in goals against per game. Their offense hasn't been quite as good as they are in the middle of the pack in goals scored per game. Winnipeg is on a bit of a hot streak and will look to continue that trend in this one.

Key Players
Kyle Connor
Connor is in his 8th season with the Jets and is on pace for his highest goal scoring season. Kyle currently has 17 goals for the season which is best on the team and 4th in the entire NHL. He also leads the team in points scored which is good enough for 21st in the NHL. Kyle is on a bit of a hot streak and will look to continue that in this one.

Mark Scheifele
Scheifele is another career long Jet as he is in his 13th season with the team. He leads the team in assists with 19 which is good enough for 18th in the NHL. He is second on the team in points which is 23rd in the NHL. Mark will look to continue to set up his teammates in this one.

Los Angeles Kings
Current Season
The Kings have firmly been in the playoffs the last 2 seasons but have lost in the first round to the Oilers in both seasons. They are looking to perform better this season and earn a number 1 seed and make a deep run in the playoffs. So far they have performed admirably as they are currently in 3rd in the Western conference while playing much fewer games. They will be looking to pick up points in these extra games to earn a top spot. Los Angeles has been one of the best teams in the league which is evidenced by their NHL leading goal differential. They have the 2nd most goals per game scored while giving up the fewest goals per game.

Key Players
Trevor Moore
This is a surprise inclusion as he has sort of come out of nowhere. He currently leads the team in goals scored with 13 which is 15th in the league. His career high in a season is 17 so he is on pace to shatter that record. Look for him to get many opportunities to extend his team leading goals.

Anze Kopitar
Kopitar is not a surprise selection as he has been a top player for the Kings for years. He led the team in points last year and is currently 3rd while scoring the 2nd most goals and assisting on the 3rd most. He is the heart and soul of this team and the Kings will rely on him heavily the entire season.

Prediction
This is a fun regular season matchup between 2 of the better Western Conference teams. It is hard to pick against the Kings as they have just been so good all season. Kings 4 Jets 2