After failing to clinch a postseason berth on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Kings face a big test on Thursday against the Calgary Flames.
If you look at the Flames' season and where they sit in the standings, this game wouldn't look like much of a test.
However, the Kings have put together two of their worst performances this season against the Flames.
Both of those performances were in Calgary opposed to at home, which should give the Kings some confidence, but Calgary does seem to have their numbers.
Coming off a very poor performance on Tuesday in Anaheim, the Kings desperately need a bounce-back performance.
This is not the time of year to stumble and lose your game.
The one positive from Tuesday's game was the play of the fourth line, and in particular Akil Thomas, so the Kings will be hoping that continues.
Pierre-Luc Dubois caught a lot of flak after the Anaheim game, however, his play was in line with most of the team.
He needs to find his game, but he's joined by about 15 other players in that spot.
This game isn't a true must-win for the Kings, but it isn't far off either.
The big things to watch for the Kings tonight is effort and intensity.
Wins and losses are all that truly matter, but the Kings need to show they can consistently put together a hard-working 60 minutes.
They found out the hard way what happens if you take an NHL team lightly on Tuesday and the result could be worse Thursday if they play that same game.
As Jim Hiller put it, they expected an easy game and got it, only they lost the game.
They need to break that mentality and outwork their opponent Thursday.
Cam Talbot is expected in net.