Kings Vs. Stars: Los Angeles Wins With Big Second Period

It took some time to get going, but Justin Williams, Scott Parse, and Salva Voynov were able to get the puck in the back of the net in the second period to blow the game open for the Los Angeles Kings who won tonight's game 5-3. The Kings' fifth win in six games leaves them one point behind NHL West leading Dallas in the standings. LA has enjoyed a 9-1-1 record against Dallas in their last eleven meetings. 

Only 8,443 bought tickets for tonights game, with the hometown Texas Rangers in a possible series clinching game tonight in St. Louis. The few thousands who did show up had hope early, when the Stars' Trevor Daley found the net first; 14 minutes into the first period. The power play goal was completely erased in the second period. 

Justin Williams was the first to score, a wrist shot from outside the crease four minutes into the second period. The came Scott Parse, seven minutes later, with a snap shot from just outside the crease. Three minutes later, Salva Voynov slapped one in from 24 feet out. 

Dallas was able to tie it up in the third period, with goals from Michael Ryder and Eric Nystrom. However, the Kings took the lead back when Voynov scored his second goal of the game and the season with a slap shot from just inside the blue line. Dallas pulled the goalie with a minute left, but the Kings sealed the deal with an empty net goal from Dustin Brown.

The Kings have two more games on this road trip, weekend games against Phoenix and Colorado. Then they'll return home to face the Edmonton Oilers a week from today.

For more on the LA Kings, check out Jewels From the Crown.