*8* SPECIAL on LA Kings.

This looks like a complete mismatch as the hot Kings will host the slumping Minnesota Wild at Staples Center Thursday night. I don't expect any surprises here, and this looks like a reasonable price to back the Kings.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational - The timing could have been better for the Wild to embark on a three-game tour of California. They've lost five straight which includes a 3-1 defeat at Anaheim last night. They've scored only a total of four goals in that span.

2. Home Cookin' - The Kings have won 10 of their last 13 at home and have had a day off since defeating the Stars 3-2 here at Staples Center Tuesday. They've converted on four of seven chances on the man advantage in their last three at home.

3. X-Factor - Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick is 9-1-1 with a 1.72 GAA in his last 11 starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Kings (8*)