Blues-Kings Battle Shapes Western Conference Playoff Race

St. Louis and Los Angeles are locked in a late-season battle that could have significant ramifications for playoff seeding and momentum heading into the postseason. The Blues have been fighting for consistency all year, and the Kings represent the kind of test that separates contenders from pretenders in the Western Conference. This matchup carries weight beyond just the two points on the line - it's about establishing which team has the mental toughness to win when the stakes are highest.