The Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] host the Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators] in the biggest game of the season, with playoff implications. The Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] are coming off a 6-7 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators] are coming off a 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks, which was a big win for their playoff hopes. For tonight's matchup, both teams are tied for the final wildcard spot, and getting 2 points tonight could be the difference between making or missing the playoffs. KINGS PROJECTED LINES Here are the projected lines for the Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] tonight: Artemi Panarin - Anze Kopitar - Adrian Kempe Trevor Moore - Quinton Byfield - Alex Laferriere Joel Armia - Scott Laughton - Jared Wright Jeff Malott - Samuel Helenius - Taylor Ward Mikey Anderson - Drew Doughty Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke Brian Dumoulin - Cody Ceci Anton Forsberg Darcy Kuemper PREDATORS PROJECTED LINES Here are the projected lines for the Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators] tonight: Zachary L'Heureux -- Ryan O'Reilly -- Steven Stamkos Filip Forsberg -- Matthew Wood -- Jonathan Marchessault Tyson Jost -- Erik Haula -- Luke Evangelista Reid Schaefer -- Fedor Svechkov -- Joakim Kemell Brady Skjei -- Roman Josi Adam Wilsby -- Nick Perbix Jordan Oesterle -- Justin Barron Juuse Saros Justus Annunen INJURIES AND LINE CHANGES The Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] have no lineup changes, aside from Anton Forsberg starting after Darcy Kuemper started against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators] have recalled Jordan Oesterle from Milwaukee after Nicolas Hague was injured in the game against the Sharks. KEY FACTORS The Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] played well against the Leafs, and while they blew a 2-goal lead, the Leafs tied it, the Kings still ended up winning, showing how resilient this team can be. That same resilience needs to be brought in tonight's matchup. The duo of Panarin and Kempe continues to be incredible, combining for 7 points in the game against the Leafs. Panarin and Kempe, if they play as they did against Toronto, the Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] will be able to walk away with a win. Besides that duo, the Kings' depth came through once again, enabling them to succeed across all lines. The goaltending matchup tonight is likely to be Saros vs. Forsberg. Anton Forsberg last played on April 1st, where he made 23 saves for the win, and the Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] will be looking for his consistent play tonight. For the Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators], Juuse Saros is likely to make the start, and he is coming off a 24-save win over the San Jose Sharks. Overall, this is the most important game of the season, and the Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] have to win this game if they want to make the playoffs. If the Kings' depth and superstars can play as they have been, the Kings will be able to find success and win tonight's game. My prediction for tonight's matchup is a 3-1 Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings] win.
