Rarely do I like to go against the Wild when they play in Minnesota. But this is one of those exceptions with the main reason being the Wild are coming off their league mandated bye. They last played six days ago.

Teams coming off a bye are 4-21-4 this season. That's a trend difficult to ignore.

The Wild also will be breaking in Martin Hanzal and Ryan White - acquired via trade - and Ryan Carter. He was signed as a free agent. Those changes in offensive personnel are going to affect two lines. So not only will there be rust for Minnesota but also an adjustment period.

The Kings are battling hard for a wild-card spot in the West. Team morale was raised with goalie Jonathan Quick returning from injury and management trading for goalie Ben Bishop.