Tidbits

Tonight’s hosts: The Nashville Predators (35-24-10), 5 p.m. PST. The Kings have won two of three contests against the Predators this year. Nashville is 4-1-2 in their last seven.

Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne has given up 10 goals in that span. Expect Nashville to play defensively and desperately, as they are seeking their fourth straight home win and aim to climb out of ninth place in the hectic Western Conference.

For the Kings, Jonathan Bernier gets the nod to start. Bernier is 3-1-0 with a 1.75 GAA versus the Predators.

Interesting note: Jonathan Quick has yet to beat Nashville in four attempts (0-3-1).

That said, if you want some things to kill between periods or afterwards, read the following:

– Some interesting points about the Kings in this overview of the Western Conference. If the Kings win tonight, they’ll have their first-ever 4-0 road trip. 

LA Times’ Helene Elliott posts about locals climbing the pro hockey ranks …

– … and Elliott also puts up her rankings. Fair on my quick check of it. A lot wiser than say ESPN’s. Even TSN isn’t that whack. The Devils? C’mon. 

– During the GM meetings, Dean Lombardi had his say about safety. Bench doors? Not my first thought, but yeah, I see his point.

– Want to ask former Kings head coach Barry Melrose what he thinks about LA’s chances? Post a question here.