- The Coaches: Stars Coach Marc Crawford makes his first trip back to the Staples Center after being fired by the Kings. Earlier this week he was less than pleased when his team lost to LA in Dallas. Now that MacTavish is gone from Edmonton, could Crow become the new psycho bench boss that loses his cool when playing in LA? Kings Coach Terry Murray is one win away from his 400th in the regular season.
- The Captains: Brenden Morrow returns to Staples after missing nearly all of last year with a knee injury. He almost always comes up big against the Kings...well, against just about every team for that matter. Dustin Brown has 22 points in 32 games vs Dallas, his most vs any opponent. He needs only one more point to reach 200 for his NHL career.
- The other Captain: Mike Modano has already announced this is last season in the NHL. Unfortunately, LA fans won't get to see one of the greatest American born players tonight. He is out with a rib injury.
- In-n-Out: King killer Brad Richards will not play...meanwhile one of the best agitators in the league will, Steve Ott returns for more of his OTToberfest tour of North America. Yes, the Stars marketing team is actually using that phrase this month. Wow! The Kings have sent Oscar Moller back to Manchester. Justin Williams is doubtful for the game.
- The Kids: The Real Deal James Neal - Dallas definitely has something with this kid, keep an eye on #18. They also have #14 Jamie Benn. Ted Purcell has been bumped down to the third line for the Kings.
- The Goalies: Quick for LA. Assume it will be Auld for Dallas, after Turco played last night at the Ponda.
- The News: Frolov and Handzus will be on the second line. Not sure which emotion is more powerful today - joy for Brown, as he gets an upgrade...or sadness for Simmonds as he loses his two linemates.
- The Penalty Box: Both teams are at the bottom of the league on the penalty kill. If guys end up in the box, could be a high scoring affair.
- The Leaders: Kopitar and Smyth lead the Kings with 13 points. Can they both post another multi-point game?
- The Trends: In the last 10 games overall vs. the Stars, LA is 7-2-1. Yet, they're only 5-4-1 in the last 10 on home ice. Since the beginning of 2006, 8 of the Kings 12 victories over the Stars have been in come back fashion.
Dallas vs. LA, take two. Want to go to the game? We're giving away two pairs of tickets to the game tonight. Simply reply to yesterday's post about Alexander Frolov and you'll be entered to win. It's that easy! Hurry up - deadline is 2pm today. Details below.
One19
