The Los Angeles Kings have clawed their way back into a playoff spot in the Western Conference, but are coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Predators on Saturday. A home game against one of the league's worst teams figures to give them a good chance of getting back on track, and I would expect to see the home team grind out another win with it's stellar defensive play.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Arizona's Offensive Woes - The Coyotes are averaging a league-worst 1.65 goals per game since the All Star break and 2.03 goals per game over the season. They've tallied only three over an 0-3-1 stretch and goals will come at a premium here against a Kings D that allows only 2.11 goals per game in its own building.

2. Special Teams - One of Arizona's few bright spots this season has been its power play that has been above the league average. The Kings have however killed off 38 of their last 40 short-handed situations, so odds are the Coyotes will struggle on the man-advantage as well as five versus five.

3. X-Factor - The Kings have won four straight home meetings with Arizona, and they out-scored the Coyotes 18-8 in those games.


Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Kings -1.5