The Kings host the Nashville Predators in what has become the most important game in the season. How overplayed is that term? I mean, every game is important, and since the Kings haven't still been in contention this late in the season since 2001, there is indeed a sense of urgency now. But, I wouldn't say it's the most important game in the season. They are still mathematically in the race, and a loss won't bump them out. So, whenever you hear "most important game of the season," just do what I do. Nothing.

Sean O'Donnell and Drew Doughty start, along with Calder, Handzus and Simmonds, who gets a rousing round of applause after his impressive game Saturday against San Jose. A surprise, (at least to me) was the start of Erik Ersberg, coming off a 38-save game against the Sharks. It looks as if coach Terry Murray will reward the hot goaltender, as the upcoming schedule is just brutal.

Shea Weber gets put in the box for tripping, as the 12th-ranked PP unit takes to the ice. Problem is, the Predators are ranked third in the league on the PK, and they prove why by killing Weber's penalty handily.

Brown checks J.P. Dumont slightly into the boards, and was met by a vicious roughing call by Jerred Smithson. Stoll, Handzus and Purcell have an impressive shift, with crisp passes and a shot on net, that trickled through the crease. But Pekka Rinne (...snort, Pekka) maintains his cool and knocks it away.

Kyle Calder then gets called for hooking, and the Kings PK unit takes to the ice, ranked 8th in the NHL. The Predators, who are tied with the Oilers for eighth in the Western Conference Monday night, have the second-worst power play coming in. The Kings easily handle the penalty, and play resumes as Calder skates off the ice. The line of Kopitar, Brown and Purcell have some success keeping the puck in deep, but still haven't clicked yet.

A funny thing at Staples, the scoreboard reads the Kings have 20 shots to Nashville's 2 at the second TV timeout. And not just at center ice. To my count, the Kings have 4-5 shots. They fix it after the Ice Girls, adorned in green t-shirts exit the ice. That's right, it's St. Patrick's Day tomorrow... huh. I rarely drink, so it's lost on me. Maybe I'll celebrate with a Shamrock Shake after the game.

The Frolov, Stoll, Harrold line have several nice attempts at Pekka (...snort), but the D was there. Not so next shift, when Brown's shot deflects off Pekka's stick, then off the post, skittering behind the goaltender. Kopitar swoops in and tallies his 25th goal of the season to put the Kings up 1-0.

I like the resiliency of Purcell on that top line. He keeps getting a ton of attention when he has the puck, but he has shown the poise the Kings need on the wing, getting the puck back to the defensemen or to Kopitar whenever pressured.

With 14 seconds left in the period, Weber shoots one past Ersberg to deflate the Staples Center crowd.

First period: Kings 1, Predators 1