Home ice meant everything as these two split their first pair in what might be a possible playoff preview. Being at home is good for the Kings, boasting an NHL-best 18-3-2 mark as host. Conversely, though VGK enters Monday winning its last 3, it had lost four in a row previous, and the offense only has 14 goals to show for the last six games. Meanwhile, LA has won four of five, and the offense looked sharp when scoring five vs. Utah on Saturday following the 4 Nations break. In its last four wins, the Kings have scored a whopping 20 goals, while Darcy Kuemper is 17-6-6, with a 2.18 GAA and .918 saves, in goal this season. Play Kings

The Knights remain without No. 1 blueliner Shea Theodore (48 points, +10) after he was hurt in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Vegas No. 1 netminder Adin Hill has a GAA about half a goal higher away (2.90) than at home. The Kings are a rare NHL team at full health and are an NHL-best 18-3-2 at home. Darcy Kuemper is 9-1-1 there with a 2.08 GAA.