The Carolina Hurricanes entered the pivotal final game of their homestand coming off of back to back wins against the Vancouver Canucks and the Colorado Avalanche. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings entered the game without Jeff Carter, Dustin Brown, and Trevor Lewis in a hugely important game for both teams who are on the playoff bubble fighting for a playoff position. The Kings are one point out of a Western Conference wild card position, and the Hurricanes entered the game holding a one point lead in the Eastern Conference wild card race.