Dallas Stars look to checkmate the LA Kings on home ice tonight

The Dallas Stars return home from a rough win on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks to take on the Los Angeles Kings tonight. It feels like a catch-22 for the Stars as they will take on a tired Kings team that played last night. On the other hand, the Kings snapped their losing streak against the Carolina Hurricanes, so they might be motivated to continue winning. Whatever version of the Kings the Stars get tonight, they must be prepared and ready. Here are the three keys of the game tonight against the Kings

Dallas Stars vs. LA Kings Preview: 3. Don't sleep through the first period

The last thing that needs to happen for the Stars tonight is "sleepwalking" through the first period. They need to be alert because the Kings might come out swinging, looking to add to the winning streak they started last night. The Stars came out sleepy against the Chicago Blackhawks on the road and found themselves behind going into the third period. If the Stars come out swinging in the first period and build a nice lead, they can defend home ice tonight.

Dallas Stars vs. LA Kings Preview: 2. Stop Trevor Moore

Hopefully, the Stars get a tired version of Trevor Moore tonight. Moore has been an offensive catalyst for the Kings this season. He has 20 goals and 11 assists going into the matchup with the Stars tonight. Last night, he became the first California-born hockey player to score 20 goals for a California team in a season. You cannot allow him to park in front of the net tonight. He loves to put loose pucks in the back of the net. If the Stars can cool him down tonight, the Stars will come away with two points.

Dallas Stars vs. LA Kings Preview: 1. Just shoot the puck at the net

The Stars need to fire the puck at the net tonight. The Kings will probably be tired from last night's game against Carolina and won't react quickly to rebounds. The Stars have also passed the puck too many times before taking a shot recently, and that needs to end. Joe Pavelski needs to park it in front of the net tonight and deflect those pucks. If the Stars can take advantage and put rebounds in the back of the net, the Stars can put the Kings in checkmate tonight.

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