Kings Roster Notes: (IN) Jonathan Quick (2.20 GAA, .919 SV%), Kevin “Can use the word attrition correctly” Westgarth. (OUT) Brad Richardson, Peter Harrold, Davis Drewiske, Scott Parse.
Stars Roster Notes: (IN) Kari Lehtonen (2.57 GAA, .915 SV%). Brad Richards has returned from his concussion. (OUT) Adam Burish (lower body) is a scratch. For more info, see Mike Heika’s Stars Blog and Defending Big D.
The Kings will look to continue their success on the road today, and snap Dallas’ streak (6-0-2 in their last 8). Both teams have players who are blazing hot at the moment. The dangerous
has scored a goal in each of his last 6 (!) games, making the most of his extra shifts, and the Kings will need to be more aware of him today. Mike Ribeiro has regrettable facial hair and 6 points his last 3 games.
On the Kings’ side, the top line keeps getting it done.
, fresh off a hat trick in Columbus, has averaged more than a PPG in his last 14.
has 7 points in his last 4, and
has 4 points in his 5 games as a King. Now that they’re clicking, some secondary scoring would come in handy too.
The Kings are well aware that they let the last game against Dallas slip away from them, so I expect tighter play and better discipline tonight. The difference may well come down to stellar goaltending. Lehtonen has been playing well, but Quick is 2-0-0 with 1.50 GAA against the Stars this season. After a great performance in Detroit, LA will count on him to continue his success.
A regulation win would give them 83 points, and a win in a potential tiebreaker category of the season series. 4th in the West is possible, too. Pacific battles! Onward!