Kings clinch playoff spot with Blues' loss to Blackhawks

The Los Angeles Kings clinched a playoff berth following the St. Louis Blues' loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.

The Blackhawks stormed back to win from a 3-1 deficit, scoring the game-winning goal with just 8.5 seconds left to help their once-archrival clinch a playoff spot.

Since winning their second Stanley Cup in 2013-14, the Kings have alternated missing and making the postseason. They missed in 2014-15, lost in the first round in 2015-16, missed last season, and are now returning this year.

The Kings are also trending in the right direction heading into the playoffs, as they're 11-4-3 over their last 18 games. The return of Jeff Carter has been a key factor, as he has 13 goals in 19 games since missing over four months with an injury.