KINGS NOTEBOOK; KINGS LEERY WITH STARS ON HORIZON.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

Despite the post-game euphoria of Tuesday night's 5-3 victory - just their third in 14 games - Kings coach Andy Murray was surprisingly subdued.

Murray was not talking up Ziggy Palffy, who had two goals and an assist in his first dominant game in six weeks. Or Luc Robitaille, who had two power-play goals to give him 20 for the 12th time in 13 seasons.

The Kings did not play well late in the game, let in a couple poor goals and were whistled for eight penalties. And though he wouldn't say it at the time, Murray knows that won't do tonight against the Stanley Cup champion Dallas Stars, who have not lost to the Kings in their last 20 meetings.

Murray obviously wants to downplay the streak. Only two of the games are on his record, a 4-1 loss Jan. 3 and a 3-2 overtime defeat on Nov. 24. Both games were in Dallas. This will be the Stars' first visit to Staples Center.

``I thought we've played better games that we've lost,'' Murray said about beating Buffalo. ``I liked some things, but there were several areas that still need work.''

Before Wednesday's workout at Iceoplex, Murray met the team and together they outlined why the Stars have played them so tough.

--Early leads, such as the two-goal advantage in the first period of the 4-1 loss Jan. 3 at Reunion Arena. ``They are the best at playing with a lead,'' said captain Rob Blake, who skipped Wednesday's practice nursing a sore groin. ``They get in front and control the tempo. They never let you back in.''

--Big-name players. Both Mike Modano (concussion) and Brett Hull (groin) have been nursing injuries, but will be back.

--Goaltending. Ed Belfour has a 2.18 goals against average in 36 games. That is fifth best in the league, as are his 17 victories. The Kings say they need to adjust a few things. Of the eight penalties Tuesday, three came late, giving the Sabres a chance to come back. All there were in the Buffalo end, meaning the Kings didn't take them to stop Sabres scoring opportunities.

--INJURY UPDATES: Palffy, who played so well against Buffalo, was held out of Wednesday's practice as a precaution against his sore lower back. He continued rehab and is expected in the lineup tonight. . . . Jozef Stumpel (knee) is ahead of schedule. He has started skating and the club hopes he will be ready for the next road trip, which begins Wednesday in Dallas. . . . Glen Murray (chest bruise) is skating but not involved in contact drills because he is sore. . . . Donald Audette (ankle sprain) is probably two weeks away.

KINGS vs. DALLAS

--Time: 7 p.m., Staples Center

--TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net; KRLA-AM (1110)

--Matchup: The Kings are hoping the Stars play them the same way Buffalo did the day after playing the Mighty Ducks. In back-to-back games, the Sabres beat Anaheim 5-0, then lost 5-3 on Tuesday against the Kings. Dallas played the Ducks on Wednesday at the Pond. The Stanley Cup champion Stars spent most of the first month last in the Pacific Division, but now they are back on top. Mike Modano is back in the lineup after suffering his second concussion of the season last week. Brett Hull also has returned from a strained groin, but Stars coach Ken Hitchcock will be splitting up their line for the time being.

- Matt McHale

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Box: KINGS vs. DALLAS (see text)