If the Kings hope to have any chance to win a cup THEY MUST reverse this lopsided heads up trend otherwise face very difficult odds.
In the history of the NHL, (best of seven game playoff series), the host team winning the first two games went on to win the series 223 of 250 times. In other words the team returning home down 0-2 owns only 11% equity.
Isolating this scenario to only the first round isn't any better. 72 times this has occurred and the team up 2 games to none has won 64 times, (.889).
All this being said, before we stick a fork in the Blackhawks, Stars, and Wild I have one recent caveat.
Last year, in the preliminary round, two teams won both of their opening home games only to lose the series.
The Capitals were up 2 games to none going to MSG for game three and the Rangers won the series 4-3.
The Blues were up 2 games to none heading to Staple center for game three and the Kings won in six.
