Kings vs Stars Game 41: Lines, Notes & How to Watch

The Los Angeles Kings (21-13-6) will be the first team to hit the halfway point tonight against the Dallas Stars (23-9-6).

Puck drops at 7:00 PM.

Tuesday's game will start with a ceremony honoring Alex Edler for his 1000th game. This ceremony won't affect preparation according to Todd McLellan.

"Not from our perspective," said McLellan. "We're not going to walk in and tell the guys, 'hey this or that,' they've been through them. Looking over at the other team should prepare us enough tonight."

A big factor in this game will be special teams, with Dallas sitting top-five in both power play and penalty kill. It's their high-octane power play that should concern the Kings. Given the King's subpar penalty kill, staying out of the box will be key.

"We better be prepared for a dangerous power play, I think they got three on us last time we played," said McLellan. "And a penalty kill that is very effective. They have a lot of confidence right now and they're getting it done. Special teams often dictate the outcome of a game, so we better be sharp on both of ours."

Pheonix Copley is expected to start against Dallas, as he continues to cement himself as the number one in net. 

Quinton Byfield will remain on the top line next to Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe as he continues to get a big opportunity in the top six. 

"Size helps him (Byfield) when he's using it," said McLellan. "He's skating well, I thought he had some good board work in the two games as a winger. With Lizzo's (Blake Lizotte) play, I think he's still playing outstanding, it opens up some minutes for Q on the wing further up in the lineup and let's hope he takes advantage of that."

Byfield looked much better against Philadelphia Saturday in his new position. He forechecked well and played with more pace. However, there needs to be production soon. Those little things are important, but he wasn't drafted second overall for his forechecking or defensive game. He was drafted to make an impact offensively. He doesn't need to be a point-per-game player right now, but he needs to produce while in the top six.

Expected Los Angeles Kings Lines:

Quinton Byfield-Anze Kopitar-Adrian Kempe

Alex Iafallo-Phil Danault-Viktor Arvidsson

Kevin Fiala-Blake Lizotte-Gabe Vilardi

Jaret Anderson-Dolan-Rasmus Kupari-Carl Grundstrom

Defense:

Mikey Anderson-Drew Doughty

Sean Durzi-Matt Roy

Alex Edler-Sean Walker

Goalies:

Pheonix Copley

Jonathan Quick

Expected Dallas Stars Lines:

Jason Robertson-Roope Hintz-Joe Pavelski

Joel Kiviranta-Ty Dellandrea-Tyler Seguin

Jamie Benn-Wyatt Johnston-Mason Marchment

Fredrik Olofsson-Radek Faksa-Luke Glendening

Defense:

Miro Heiskanen-Nils Lundkvist

Ryan Suter-Colin Miller

Esa Lindell-Jani Hakanpaa

Goalies:

Jake Oettinger

Scott Wedgewood

Special Teams:

Los Angeles Kings Power Play: 33-142, 23.24%, 13th in NHL

Los Angeles Kings Penalty Kill: 40-141, 71.63%, 28th in NHL

Dallas Stars Power Play: 34-118, 28.81%, 2nd in NHL

Dallas Stars Penalty Kill: 21-129, 83.72%, 4th in NHL

Los Angeles Kings Pre-Game Notes:

• The LA Kings will play 13 games in the month of January, with six games at Crypto.com Arena and seven on the road. 
• Drew Doughty sits one assist shy of eclipsing the 20-assist plateau for the 14th time in his career. Only Dallas’ Ryan Suter (14) has more 20+ assist seasons among active defensemen. 
• Matt Roy is one goal away from establishing a new single-season career-high five. 
• Only San Jose’s Nick Bonino (53) has more blocked shots among forwards in the league than Anze Kopitar’s 50. 
• The Kings are 12-1-0 when leading after two periods of play this season.

How to Watch:

TV: ESPN;  Radio: iHeartRadio, Tu Liga