The Kings locked up a playoff spot with their 2-1 home win against the Bruins this past Saturday. That takes some of the embarrassment off last season when the Kings failed to even make the postseason after winning the Stanley Cup two years ago.

Now the Kings have to cross two time zones and meet the Predators. It will be the Kings' fifth game in eight days. They just got through playing four strong teams - Bruins, Rangers, Stars and Blackhawks. So not only is this a letdown spot for the Kings, but a bad scheduling situation, too.

Nashville has come on to win nine of its last 13 games. The Predators are aiming to catch the Blackhawks for third place in the Central Division. The Predators are off a bad 4-1 road loss to the Capitals this past Friday that halted a two-game win streak.

The Predators would like to redeem themselves and have had ample time to regroup for this home game. This also is a home statement game for the Predators since there is a possibility these two teams could meet in the first round of the playoffs.

History is on Nashville's side. The Predators are 10-4 the past 14 times hosting foes with a winning road record. They also have won five of the last six in this series.