LA Kings (5-2-1, 11 pts) @ Dallas Stars (7-2-0, 14 pts)
7:30 PM, October 27, 2011
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
It’s a classic case of the immovable object against the unstoppable force. On one side is a goalie with a spotless win record. On the other side is a goalie who hasn’t allowed a goal in three games. Something has to give.
The Dallas Stars were probably hoping that LA Kings coach Terry Murray would sit Quick in tonight’s game instead of on Tuesday. Instead, Quick returns tonight and we get the goalie matchup that we wanted in the first meeting between these teams. Quick has absolutely dominated the Stars in his career, winning his last five games against Dallas and sporting a 11-3-0 overall record them.
The Kings won the first matchup this season against Dallas in a 1-0 game that had the atmosphere of a critical playoff game. Both teams played crisp clean hockey and the outcome was in doubt for the entire game. Kari Lehtonen didn’t play in that game, but Andrew Raycroft played just as well in stopping 23 of 24 shots.
Dallas is coming off a comeback 3-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes while the Kings lost their game against the NJ Devils 3-0, a game that backup goalie Jonathan Bernier started.
The Stars might be in a bit of luck as the Kings, aside from Quick, limp into this game. While they did have a four-game winning streak before that loss to the Devils, the Kings have had some trouble. LA has scored only three goals in their last three games and struggled to generate power-plays with only five chances in their last three game (they scored on one of them). They’ve been outshot in five straight games and their top offensive players have been largely absent.
This game is the first of a three-game homestand for Dallas, who have been 4-0-0 on home ice so far this season. They are one of only three teams taht are undefeated at home (the others are Washington and Detroit).
Drew Doughty (shoulder) is questionable for the Kings. Dallas has no injuries of note.
