DALLAS (AP) — Casey DeSmith and Mikko Rantanen once again set the tone as the Dallas Stars skated past the Los Angeles Kings, 4-1, extending their home point streak against LA to eight games (7-0-1).
DeSmith turned aside Los Angeles chances to extend his career-long point streak to 11 games, tying a franchise record set by Ed Belfour. “He’s just been so rock solid all year,” head coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I just love the mental toughness.”
Rantanen led the offense with a goal and two assists, marking his seventh three-point game of the season. His night included his 30th assist of the year and the 750th point of his NHL career, tying Olli Jokinen for fifth-most among Finnish players. Wyatt Johnston added a goal and an assist as Dallas broke through with a strong third period.
“There’s a lot of good players around me,” Rantanen said. “We have a deep lineup, and when everyone’s healthy, we can roll four lines and wear teams down.”
The win highlighted Dallas’ depth and composure against a tight-checking Kings team, continuing the Stars’ dominance at home.
