Monday, March 31, 10:00 PM on NBCS, TSN2

Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

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A Nino Niederreiter goal in the 3rd period followed by the only goal of the shootout enabled Minnesota to escape from L.A with an upset victory the last time they met, but the Kings will look for a rebuttal as they surge toward the playoffs.

The Wild are fading down the stretch as they attempt to make their second playoff appearance in franchise history. Minnesota has won only 3 games in their last 10 and has slipped to only a point ahead of Phoenix and 6 points ahead of Dallas and Vancouver as the four teams battle for two playoff spots. Time may be on the Wild's side with only 7 games left in the regular season and all they have to do is hold on.

Los Angeles is on the other side of the spectrum as they're roaring into the playoffs, winners of 5 straight games. The Kings recently posted 3 impressive road wins over Washington, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh as they return to L.A. for a 3-game home stand. Overall the Kings have won 7 of 10 and would have a nice overall streak going if not for 3 straight hiccups at home as big money favorites against Toronto (-200), Anaheim (-139), and Phoenix (-165).

The Kings / Wild game on January 7th was especially costly to L.A. backers. The 2-1 shootout win by Minnesota came with the Kings as -225 favorites at home while betting on the Wild paid out a whopping +206. Minnesota was efficient getting the win despite only 17 shots on goal compared to L.A.'s 40.

ATS Trends

Minnesota is 14-23 straight up on the road this season

Minnesota is 13-15-9 against the over/under on the road this season

Los Angeles is 21-16  straight up at home this season

Los Angeles is 11-22-4 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota 

03/26/14 D Keith Ballard Groin out indefinitely
03/23/14 D Clayton Stoner Knee expected to miss 7-10 days
03/12/14 LW Jason Zucker Quad out for season
03/05/14 GO Niklas Backstrom Abdominal out for season
01/06/14 GO Josh Harding Illness out indefinitely

Los Angeles 

No injuries to report at this time

Tony's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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