NHL schedule 2015: Kings, Canadiens clash in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Kings, despite their incredibly talented roster, have spent much of this season outside the Western Conference playoff picture. That could change tonight.

A win and a Calgary Flames loss would put LA in the top eight, where they're likely to finish when it's all said and done. Thursday's contest won't be easy, though, as the East-leading Montreal Canadiens will pay a visit to the Staples Center.

It's worth noting that Montreal may not elect to go with Vezina Trophy favorite Carey Price following his Wednesday start in Anaheim. Should they give him rest, Dustin Tokarski, who has allowed at least three goals in each of his last five appearances, will skate between the pipes.

In Nashville, the Predators will try to rebound from their four-game losing streak against the New York Islanders, who have been struggling in their own right with losses in four of their last six. This would be a nice time for Pekka Rinne to return to form: The Finnish netminder is 1-3-1 in his past five and has a .897 save percentage since Feb. 19.