Kings Face Stars in Crucial Divisional Matchup Tonight

DALLAS, Texas — The Los Angeles Kings kick off a three-game road trip tonight, taking on the Dallas Stars in a critical Central Division matchup. Their performance in this game could significantly impact the team’s standing as they advance through the second half of the season.

This contest marks the final meeting of the season between the two clubs, with the Kings winning both prior matchups at home. Forward Warren Foegele leads Los Angeles in scoring against the Stars this season with three points (2 goals, 1 assist) from those two games. Key forwards Kevin Fiala, Tanner Jeannot, and Anze Kopitar each have contributed a goal and an assist in this season’s series.

Despite a day without practice due to travel, the Kings held an optional morning skate today, showing hope for a strong lineup. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who started the Kings’ last victory against Dallas back in December, is projected to return to the net. Kuemper has a solid history against the Stars, holding a 9-6-3 record with a .915 save percentage and a 2.75 goals-against average throughout his career.

Defenseman Drew Doughty is also expected to return to the lineup after missing the last game due to a lower-body injury. His presence is crucial for the Kings as they aim to reverse a poor record at the American Airlines Center, where they have not won since January 2019. Head coach Jim Hiller noted the importance of stabilizing their lineup and creating effective line combinations. “We need to turn that around,” Doughty said, reflecting on past defeats in this venue.

The Stars come into this game with momentum, riding a five-game winning streak against the Kings at home. Dallas forwards Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson each lead their team’s scoring against Los Angeles, racking up seven points in the previous meetings at the American Airlines Center this season.

Both teams are focusing on their offensive strategies, with Hiller’s adjustments in the third period of recent games sparking comebacks. The new line combination of Fiala, Byfield, and Kempe has generated impressive statistics, and Fiala expressed confidence in their capability to perform tonight. “We can do anything,” he asserted. “We’re fast players, so that means rush plays are there for sure, but also down low, we’re strong on pucks.”

As the game approaches, the Kings are keen to make a statement and end their struggles in Dallas while also keeping their playoff aspirations alive. The puck drops at 8 p.m. CT, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting matchup.