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Game Day Watch, 12/23: Los Angeles Kings @ Dallas Stars

HOW TO WATCH

Game Time: 5:30 PM Pacific
TV: Fox Sports Southwest +, Fox Sports West
Radio: KABC AM 790
Stream: Fox Sports Go (requires cable subscription)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

if you’re a Kings fan: Now Tyler Toffoli is missing from the Kings’ lineup due to injury, as the carousel spins. LA got offense from all of their lines yesterday, though. Can it continue without one of their most dynamic forwards?

if you’re a Stars fan: Dallas has had a rough go of things so far, but they’ve gotten good performances from unlikely sources. Can Adam Cracknell outduel guys who beat him out for a lineup spot two years ago, and can Devin Shore outplay Nick Shore, who’s not actually related to him?

if you’re a hockey fan: Two teams that most people assumed would be comfortably in playoff position, both beset by brutal injury luck, both fighting for a wild card spot. Makes for an interesting matchup.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

for the Kings: Jordan Nolan. He’s still carrying the lowest Corsi For% among Kings forwards aside from (yikes) Teddy Purcell, but going into yesterday he had been rolling with a 60% CF% on this road trip. He dropped off yesterday but made up for it entirely with a beautiful zone entry and assist. That helps when you’re laying claim to a lineup spot.

for the Stars: John Klingberg. The defenseman has suffered through a tumultuous season, culminating in a healthy scratch for missing a team meeting a month ago. He still hasn’t quite found his usual caliber of play, and his goalless streak has passed 20 games, but he’s still leading the team far-and-away in ice time.

LEAGUE/WORLDWIDE WATCH

  • An interesting look at professional hockey in Europe, with an AEG cameo. [On the Forecheck]
  • The Ducks still can’t win in 3v3. [Anaheim Calling]
  • We all got a crash course in watching a bad team in the previous decade, but Wings fans now have to come to terms with it. [Winging it in Motown]/

WATCH THIS

“It hit my ass.”

Talking Points