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

No word yet on whether Tobias Stephan or Marty Turco will be in net tonight. The popular opinion is to let Stephan ride this out despite a shaky game last, and see what he can do if he get's a rhythm built up between the pipes. Here's what Stephan had to say last night after the game:

I'm pretty sure that if I get one or two games, my game is getting better,'' Stephan said of his hope he will play again this season. ``I got to play five games in one and a half weeks (in the AHL), so I got a pretty good rhythm there. So I'm actually still pretty confident that I can do the same thing.

[UPDATE] Mike Heika is reporting that Marty Turco appears to be in net tonight.

The Stars also head back to the dreaded Staples Center, a veritable house of horrors for this team the past couple of years. The latest was a 5-4 OT loss that saw the Stars blow a two goal lead with less than three minutes to go.

It will be interesting to see if Tippett shakes up the lineup in any way tonight. Despite some uncertain play along the blue line, the Stars overall had a strong, spirited effort and did the most with what they had given the circumstances.

Things to keep an eye on:

• If Stephan does indeed get the start, be sure to watch how he handles his rebounds. He was out of position and fighting the puck most of the night, but seemed to settle down in the third period. For the most part.
• Loui Eriksson notched a goal last night. Remember, just one a game to hit 40.
• James Neal has been excellent against the Kings all season. Watch to see if he can have another strong performance.
• Chris Conner scored his 2nd goal of the season last night on a breakaway. For a little guy with tons of speed, a play like that builds worlds of confidence.

Key Injuries:

Dallas: D Stephane Robidas (lower body), D Trevor Daley (lower body), D Mark Fistric (upper body), RW Krys Barch (upper body), C Brad Richards (hand), C Brian Sutherby (upper body), C Toby Petersen (foot), LW Brenden Morrow (knee) and D Sergei Zubov (hip) are out.

Los Angeles: C Jarret Stoll (groin), LW Alexander Frolov (lower body) and D Denis Gauthier (upper body) are out