The Kings are going to want this game more than the Oilers. They just lost to Vegas, the defending champs, and will be looking to restore order to close out the year. They also face the Oilers for the first time since Edmonton eliminated them (for the 2nd straight year) in the playoffs.

Though the Oilers have been hot, they are still only 16-15-1. The Kings are 20-8-4. We're getting the team with the best winning percentage in the West, coming in with a score to settle, against a team barely only .500. And we don't even have to lay a big price.

I like the Oilers but they won't be ready for what they encounter tonight. LA is the best defensive team in hockey. The Kings allow only 2.34 goals per game. Edmonton allows 3.31. per game. This is an LA team committed to defense. Coach Todd McLellan said this after the 3-2 Vegas loss: "For me, the disappointment wasn't not getting three goals, it was giving up three." Kings win. ***Western Conf. GOM***