It's been a rough go for the Los Angeles Kings recently, having lost 10 of their last 12 games.
They got back into the win column on Saturday, beating the New York Rangers 2-1 and will be looking to keep the wins coming against the San Jose Sharks on Monday.
Monday's game isn't a true must win game, no game in January is, but it certainly feels like a defining moment for this season.
A win would show signs that the Kings are getting back on track.
While a loss says that Saturdays victory was more of a fluke than the team figuring things out.
San Jose is the worst team in hockey right now, giving the Kings a very winnable game.
It's also an opportunity for the Kings to get the offensive juices flowing again.
Of course, you can't take any team in the NHL lightly and the Sharks can stun LA if they don't show up to play.
This can be said about every Kings game this season, but all eyes will be on Pierre-Luc Dubois Monday.
He was moved to the wing and onto the first line officially on Saturday and he needs to contribute in that spot.
No points, hits or shots on goal in 15:36 was a tough start for him in that spot Saturday.
As always, it's about engagement not talent with Dubois.
On the positive side, Quinton Byfield looked great back at center and should only grow into the role.
Todd McLellan confirmed after Saturday's game that David Rittich will remain in net for Monday's game.
Projected Los Angeles Kings Lines:
Forwards:
Pierre-Luc Dubois - Anze Kopitar - Adrian Kempe
Kevin Fiala - Phil Danault - Trevor Moore
Alex Laferriere - Quinton Byfield - Jaret Anderson-Dolan
Carl Grundstrom - Trevor Lewis - Samuel Fagemo
Defense:
Mikey Anderson - Drew Doughty
Vladislav Gavrikov - Matt Roy
Andreas Englund - Jordan Spence
Goalies:
David Rittich
Cam Talbot
Projected San Jose Sharks Lines:
Forwards:
William Eklund - Logan Couture - Alexander Barabanov
Fabian Zetterlund - Tomas Hertl - Filip Zadina
Luke Kunin - Nico Sturm - Mike Hoffman
Justin Bailey - Ryan Carpenter - Anthony Duclair
Defense:
Marc-Edouard Vlasic - Mario Ferraro
Henry Thrun - Jan Rutta
Nikita Okhotiuk - Kyle Burroughs
Goalies:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Kaapo Kahkonen