Los Angeles at Columbus

Columbus is home from playing eight of the last 11 on the road. They come off an overtime win in Vancouver ending a three-game trip. They face a strong Kings team that prefers a defensive pace, ninth in the NHL in goals allowed and in killing penalties. Los Angeles has veteran goalie in Peter Budaj who is playing well in place of injured star goaltender Jonathan Quick. Budaj stopped all 39 shots he faced in Friday's 1-0 win at Pittsburgh and 29 more two days later in a 1-0 setback at Boston. Los Angeles has thwarted all 17 short-handed situations over the last six contests. The Kings have won nine of the last 14 games, with the last loss by one goal. The Kings are also 15-7 on the road against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. They Kings have beaten Columbus 16 of the last 21 meetings and have more than enough to pull the upset or lose by a goal. Play the L.A. Kings on the puckline.