NHL · January 12, 2026
Dallas Stars @ Los Angeles Kings
Free LineCrush game report for Dallas Stars @ Los Angeles Kings on January 12, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Stars in Poorest Form of Season
Dallas enters with a concerning 1-3-4 record over its last eight games, marking the team's poorest stretch of the 2025-26 season. Despite sitting second overall in the league at 26-10-9, the Stars must reverse course immediately or risk allowing the Kings to capitalize on momentum after Edmonton's shootout win.
Rantanen's League-Leading Production
Mikko Rantanen continues to drive the Stars' offense with 61 points (18 goals, 43 assists) leading the NHL. Against a Kings team missing key players like Kopitar and Moore, Rantanen's creativity and scoring touch will be critical in exploiting defensive gaps.
Johnston's Historical Dominance vs. LA
Wyatt Johnston has been nearly unstoppable against Los Angeles this season, collecting four points (2-2-4) in just two games played. He leads the Stars with seven goals in his last eight games versus the Kings and has accumulated ten points over the last three seasons against LA.
Kings Depleted by Injury
Los Angeles will be without Anze Kopitar (upper body), Joel Armia (lower body), and Trevor Moore (upper body) as it attempts to build on Saturday's shootout victory over Edmonton. The absence of Kopitar, a former Norris Trophy winner, significantly weakens the Kings' depth at center.
Goaltender Matchup: Oettinger vs. Kuemper
Jake Oettinger starts for Dallas after a dominant stretch, while Darcy Kuemper draws the home assignment for LA and carries a .912 lifetime save percentage against the Stars. This matchup will heavily influence Dallas's ability to snap its losing streak.
Benn's Return After Three-Game Absence
Jamie Benn returns to the Stars' lineup after missing three games due to a cut sustained against Montreal on January 4. His presence adds depth to Dallas's forward group and provides veteran leadership during a critical stretch.
Recent Head-to-Head Advantage LA
Los Angeles defeated Dallas 3-2 in overtime on October 23, with Adrian Kempe scoring the decisive goal. The Kings' recent success in this matchup provides confidence, though Dallas's league-leading talent should reverse that trend if the Stars play to their capabilities.
Pick Ideas
Dallas to Win (Regression Play)
Despite recent struggles, Dallas is 26-10-9 and second overall in the league; the Stars typically respond after poor stretches and face a Kings team missing Kopitar.
Wyatt Johnston Over Points
Johnston has 4 points in 2 games vs LA this season and 7 goals in his last 8 matchups against the Kings, making him a strong bet for 1+ point.
Rantanen Over 0.5 Points
With 61 points in 45 games and the Kings missing key defensive players, Rantanen should produce against a compromised LA lineup.
Under Total Goals (Defensive Battle)
Recent matchups between these teams have been closely contested; Dallas's defensive consistency and Oettinger's play should keep scoring contained.
Kings +1.5 Puck Line
LA has momentum from Saturday's shootout win and plays at home, though Dallas favored by 1.5 goals suggests a close contest where the Kings stay within reach.