The Kings, 3-0-1 in their past four games, have allowed two goals or fewer in each of those three victories. The Bruins, 1-4-1 in their past six games following an eight-game winning streak, are 12-1-5 at home this season, joining the Minnesota Wild (9-1-3) as the only NHL teams with one regulation home loss.
Players to watch
Kings forward Tyler Toffoli has seven points (three goals, four assists) in a four-game point streak. Bruins forward Brad Marchand has six assists in a four-game point streak and 16 points (12 goals, four assists) in 15 games against Los Angeles.
They said it
"Obviously this team is elite. One of if not the best in the League right now, and certainly strong at home. So I think the test comes at a real good time for our team, and anxious to see how they perform." -- Kings coach Todd McLellan "We're looking at them, taking them a game at a time, but four big games before having a couple days of rest, so leave everything on the line. We know what's at stake. … It's big points on the table and we're ready for them." -- Bruins center Patrice Bergeron on beginning a four-game homestand prior to the NHL three-day Christmas break
The Kings will use the same 18 skaters from their 4-2 win at the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. ... The Bruins, who did not hold a morning skate, will use the same 18 skaters from their 4-2 win at the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
Stat pack
Carter has three points (two goals, one assist) in a three-game point streak. … Pastrnak has five points (three goals, two assists) in his past four games. … Coyle is one goal shy of 100 in his NHL career.
