The set-up: The 30-27-4 LA Kings are in Minnesota Monday night to take on the 39-14-6 Wild, who lead not only the Central Division with 84 points but also the entire Western Conference.

LA Kings: Los Angeles is battling for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference and climbed within three points of St. Louis with Saturday's 4-1 triumph over Anaheim. The win was extra-sweet due to the fact that the Kings welcomed back Jonathan Quick to the lineup from a groin injury the goaltender suffered in the season opener (Quick made 32 saves). Speaking of the position of goaltender, the Kings have sent goalie Peter Budaj, who started 51 games for Los Angeles this season, to Tampa Bay for Ben Bishop. Bishop is less than two seasons removed from a starring role in leading the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final.

Minnesota: The Wild are returning from their bye week and and will conclude an eight-game homestand in which they've gone 4-2-1 through seven games. Once again speaking of goaltenders, the Wild's Devan Dubnyk is 32-11-3 on the season, posting a 2.01 GAA and .933 save percentage. At first blush, with a Quick/Dubnyk matchup the call seesm like Under. However, the Wild avergae almost 3.4 goals per game at home and remember, Quick just returned to action. The Over is the 10* play.