Kings-Stars: L.A. On Top Of The West

Life In HockeywoodDec 13, 2009

Game 34: Kings 3, Stars 2 (shootout)

Utterly sublime.

The December to Dismember is going full-bore, mowing down teams at an alarming rate. The latest victims were the perennial Western Conference contenders Dallas Stars, and the result found the Kings loftily looking down at the rest of the Western Conference.

In the past, Dallas was a thorn in L.A.'s side. But in the last two seasons, the Kings have turned the tables on the Stars, going 7-1-1 since the start of last season. Add to that they have beaten the Stars six of the last eight times at Staples, so this game should've been a walkover, right?

Well, there's a reason they play the games. Before the game, The News Hound broke the news that Wayne Simmonds would be out for
an "undetermined period of time." No question, Simmonds is one of the emotional leaders of this club. His loss will be felt for the next four to six weeks, believe me.

The Stars struck first with just over a minute gone in the first period, and it looked to be that the Kings wild December ride would be derailed. But L.A. battled back as they have through the adversity this season, when Alexander Frolov potting his eighth goal of the season.

But no sooner could they catch their breath than Dallas struck again. Mike Modano put the Stars back up 2-1. This apparently lit a fire under the Kings, because they shut Dallas down after that, playing stifling defense and limiting them to only four shots in the period.

They took advantage of the Stars' fatigue of playing back-to-back games by unleashing the hounds, firing off 13 shots against goaltender Alex Auld. And with eight seconds left in the period the Slovenian Stunner, Anze Kopitar, tied it up with his team-leading 16th goal.

By the third period, both teams were gassed. Dallas was able to muster up seven shots, but Jonny (Don't Call Me Jonathon) Quick shut them down. And for the second time for both teams, they headed to the shootout. As a matter of fact, both teams set records for winning the shootout. (L.A. went eight round last game, the Stars went 11. Yikes.) But the Kings only needed four rounds to dispatch the Stars, continuing their dominance of Dallas.

Four in a row? For the second time this season? The Kings have continue to surprise everyone with their ascent to the top of the standings. But they are no secret now. Teams still have a hard time matching up with their three solid lines. And it's apparent just how deep they are when they can absorb the loss two of their top forwards, and just plug in a new piece. Frolov and Moller played on the line with Handzus, Purcell filled in on the top line with Kopitar and Williams. And the line of Richardson, Brown and Stoll continue to confound opponents.

Granted, this visit to the top of the West may be short lived. Yes, the upcoming road trip is going to be as hard as any this season. And even though they were able to handle the loss of Simmonds for one game, they will definitely miss him coming up. I would be happy if the Kings snatch one of the upcoming three games in Canada. Too bad I won't be able to see it... Stupid TV deal.

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