The Los Angeles Kings host the Dallas Stars for the first-of-three meetings, with both teams coming into this contest riding a three-game winning streak.
Dallas swept the three-game series against LA last year, with a combined score of 13-3. On the bright side, the Kings held the Stars to just one power play goal. Los Angeles had the second best penalty kill numbers in the NHL in 2023-24, finishing the season with an 84.58% success rate. That number is slightly down, this year, at 80.00% – 77.27% in the last ten games played.
Both teams currently sit in a playoff spot. The Stars third in the Central Division with thirty-two points and the Kings sit second in the Pacific Division with thirty-one points.
Dallas Stars Forward Jason Robertson is an Arcadia, California native and has been successful against his hometown team. He has five points (3G, 2A) in the last three games he’s played in LA; twelve points (5G, 7A) in eight total meetings (home and away). Robertson is off to a slow start with only fourteen points (5G, 9A) in twenty-four games played this season, but I suspect this game will wake the sleeping giant.
KOPI-STAR
Kings’ television color analyst Jim Fox is a co-founder of Patiné Cellars and a pinot noir enthusiast. At some point, it’s inevitable that Fox will unveil a bin dubbed: the Anze Kopitar, given that the veteran centerman’s game has aged like a fine wine.
Kopitar currently leads the Kings in points (29) and assists (21) with zero PIMS; his twenty-nine points tied for tenth best in the league.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kopitar has faced the Dallas Stars 71 times, registering 51 points (21G, 38A). The Stars have limited Kopitar’s output in recent years with just one point (1G) since December 9, 2021.
Look for Kopitar to show Dallas why he’s no fading star.
MARCH-MINT CONDITION
Stars Forward Mason Marchment is coming into this contest with eleven points (7G, 4A) in his last ten games played. During that span, he’s been a standout performer against some of the league’s best teams (Minnesota, Carolina, Winnipeg) but has been held to zero points against the likes of: Utah, San Jose, and Chicago.
While the Kings are tied for the fifth most points in the league (31), they – like Marchment – have struggled against teams like San Jose and Chicago while succeeding against upper echelon teams like Minnesota and Winnipeg.
Similarities aside, Marchment has amassed just one point (1A) in his seven career meetings against the Kings and will look to change that narrative going forward.
YOU OETT'A RECOGNIZE
Dallas Goaltender Jake Oettinger has been one of the best netminders in the league this season, posting a 13-4-0 record which includes one shutout. His 2.38 GAA is tied for sixth best, his .915 SV% tied for eighth.
As Dallas’ starter (star-ter, get it?), Oettinger has had success while playing with a chip on his shoulder.
Three weeks back, the Stars were on the road against the Winnipeg Jets. Down 4-0 in the middle of the game, Oettinger was chirped at by the fans in attendance shouting, “U.S. Backup,” – a reference to the upcoming NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament where Oettinger is likely to suit up for Team U.S.A.
This past Sunday, the Stars hosted the Jets. Oettinger stood on his head allowing just one goal on twenty-seven shots faced in the 3-1 victory.
-“I’ve had a lot of chirps,” said Oettinger after his win against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday. “I'm motivated no matter what the fans are chanting at me.”
In four career matchups against the Kings, Oettinger has a record of 2-2-0, both losses on the road. He’s managed to keep those games close with a .932 SV% on seventy-four shots faced.
Puck drop is slated for 7:10 PM PST. You can watch the game on television via TNT or listen live with the ESPN LA app.