Gameday preview: Dallas Stars @ LA Kings (9:30p CDT)

by Brandon Worley on Oct 22, 2009 3:13 PM CDT in Dallas Stars Games

Next Game

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009, 9:30 PM CDT
Staples Center

TV: FSN | Radio: KTCK 1310 The Ticket

A fairly short preview for today's game, since the Stars and Kings just played each other on Monday night. We know pretty much what to expect at the Staples Center; the Kings will be fast, the goaltending will be good and and something incredibly odd will happen to turn the game around.

On Monday, the Stars struck first with a nifty goal from Jamie Benn of a pass from Brenden Morrow. The Stars showed some jump in the first period, grabbed some momentum and were feeling good about themselves early on. Yet some bad penalties, turnovers and generally sloppy play allowed the Kings to score three unanswered goals in the second period. Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick would say afterwards that the he had it pretty easy in the second and third periods, as the Stars were unable to muster any attack near the net.

Tonight, the Stars are coming off a big win over the Anaheim Ducks last night and look to continue building momentum less than 24 hours later. Dallas has yet to win two games in a row this season, and is in desperate need of doing so if they hope to move forward and get out of this early season funk. This is a key game for the Stars early in the season; another sub-par effort tonight will kill any momentum and confidence gathered last night in Anaheim.

Alex Auld will be in net tonight, and there is still no word on whether Brad Richards will play as he will be a game-time decision. Chances are that Matt Niskanen will the night off after being knocked woozy in last night's game, so expect Jeff Woywitka to be playing next to Mark Fistric.

Alexander Frolov, scratched on Monday, is expected to be back in the lineup tonight for the Kings.

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Looks like Williams is out...

Murray said Williams "has a little bit of a lower-body issue and is doubtful for the game tonight. … It just happened on the ice today, near the end of the practice actually, the last drill that we were going through." Murray said Williams’ injury "will not be long term."

So at least that’s something….maybe?

No word on Richards, but I am kind of betting we don’t seem him until Saturday.

by Brad Gardner on Oct 22, 2009 3:38 PM CDT reply actions

Frolov's back in.

Lose one gain one I guess. Frolov can be a terrible teammate but he can burn you at the same time.

I really liked what I saw out of Wandell when I saw the 2nd period last night. We’ll need guys like him to step up and pot a goal or two after this long stretch of games.

I’ll expect Otter to have his juices flowing early too. A win and 4 of 6 divisional points will be huge for this team right now.

by LilEagle on Oct 22, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions