The defending champion Los Angeles Kings will face the San Jose Sharks at Levi's Stadium tonight, and this game will have massive playoff implications. The Sharks have been sliding in the standings, and now sit in the eighth and final playoff spot, just two points up on the Kings. These teams met in the first round of last year's playoffs, and the Sharks blew a 3-0 series lead. The Kings are the hotter of the two teams, and they seem to have had the Sharks number of late.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The Kings are hot, winners of six straight overall. They've also won six of their last eight versus San Jose, who has been slumping of late, winning just three of their last 10 overall.

2. Goaltending - Antti Niemi has lost three of his last five starts, and he's allowed 16 goals during that span. He can expect to see a lot of rubber against the Kings tonight.

3. X-Factor - Tyler Toffoli has been on fire during the Kings winning streak, scoring five goals and tallying eight points over his last five games.

Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Kings