Maybe the Kings present an effort here - not exactly a given - but even so they are inferior to the Oilers this season.

The two teams just met eight days ago when the Kings' playoff hopes weren't quite as bleak. The Oilers won, 2-0, at home.

The Kings couldn't score then and they are still having trouble putting the puck in the net. Discount a five-goal performance versus defensively-challenged Winnipeg and the Kings have scored seven goals during their last six games.

LA has lost five of its last seven to fall a hopeless 11 points out of a final wild-card spot.

Things are looking much better for the Oilers.Theyve won six of seven to move within two points of first-place Anaheim. Cam Talbot shut out the Kings on March 20 and is slated to be in goal again.