5* LATE SHOW SPECIAL on LA Kings.

The Los Angeles Kings have lost five of their last seven to drop into second place in the Pacific Division. The Vancouver Canucks meanwhile have followed a nine-game losing streak with back-to-back wins at San Jose and Anaheim, but I don't like their chances against the third California foe tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous Meetings - The Kings have won three of four meetings this season and shut out the Nucks in a 5-0 victory here at Rogers Arena back in December. They've won 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Vancouver.

2. Jeff Carter - The Kings' center is scorching hot with five goals and eight points over his last five games. He has two goals and an assist in three match-ups against the Nucks on the season.

3. X-Factor - Jonathan Quick is 9-3-1 behind a phenomenal 1.07 goals-against average in the last 13 meetings with Vancouver.

Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Kings (5*)