The Stars’ top lines must improve defensively and offensively, while their bottom-six and defense pairs step up against the strong Kings.
The Dallas Stars face a tough challenge on Monday as they take on the Los Angeles Kings, one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Dallas is looking to bounce back from consecutive losses to the Minnesota Wild and Florida Panthers, during which they managed just two goals. Offense has been a concern, and it will not be easy against a Kings team known for elite defensive play, currently ranked third-best in the NHL.
The Stars themselves have allowed 12 goals over their last three games, pushing them to sixth in goals against per game, highlighting the need for tighter defensive play. Key players such as Wyatt Johnston have struggled defensively, while the pairing of Thomas Harley and Alex Petrovic has also been under pressure. Offensively, Dallas has relied heavily on special teams, with most of their recent goals coming on the power play or while shorthanded.
Los Angeles is looking to end a slump that has seen them win only four of their last 12 games, though their defense has remained strong, allowing just 2.08 goals per game over the last eight games. Their main weakness is offense, averaging only 2.33 goals per game in that stretch. Recent head-to-head matchups favor Los Angeles slightly, with the Kings winning three of the last four meetings, though Dallas has the better record in the larger sample of 15 games.
Goalie matchups will be important, with Dallas starting Casey DeSmith and Los Angeles expected to start Darcy Kuemper. Offensive leaders for each team include Jason Robertson for Dallas, who has historically excelled against the Kings, and Kevin Fiala for Los Angeles, their most consistent scorer in this matchup. With both teams emphasizing defense, a low-scoring game is expected.
Stars Aim To Stop Two-Game Slide in Home Matchup vs. Slumping Kings
The Dallas Stars look to rebound after dropping two straight against a LA Kings team that has lost eight of their last 12 games.
Dallas Stars’ Expected Line Combinations vs. Los Angeles (Monday):
Robertson - Hintz - Benn
Steel - Johnston - Rantanen
Hryckowian - Duchene - Bourque
Back - Faksa - Blackwell
Lindell - Heiskanen
Harley - Petrovic
Kolyachonok - Capobianco
DeSmith
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