from Kevin Baxter of the LA Times,

“Just not pay attention to standings, not pay attention to what other the other teams did. And just worry about us and win every single game for the rest of the season,” defenseman Drew Doughty said when asked how the Kings will approach the rest of the schedule.

“That one stung knowing what was at stake. And we had some chances. But it’s a loss and we’ve got to get over it real quick.”

To pass the Blues, the Kings will have to win three more games than St. Louis over the next month. So even if the Blues lose half of their final 14 games, the Kings would have to win 10 of their final 14 to finish with a better record.

Adding to the challenge is the fact the Kings and Blues, who don’t meet again this season, face different schedules down the stretch. The Kings play only five games against teams who entered Monday with a losing record and St. Louis plays eight games against teams that are below .500, including three with last-place Arizona and three with Colorado, which has the worst record in the league.

That may make Monday’s loss more than just a missed opportunity for the Kings. It could make it a dagger into the heart of their postseason hopes.

more