When Power Is Off, They Are Off Too

The Kings failed to score a power-play goal in their 2-1 loss at San Jose Monday night, extending their scoreless streak to 15 consecutive man-advantage situations.

Scoring a power-play goal has been important for the Kings lately. They are 8-0-1 in games that they do.

This season, they are 17-7-5 when they score with a man advantage in a game and 14-16-6 when they don’t.

“The difference is that we didn’t have traffic in front of the net,” Coach Larry Robinson said. “We didn’t have guys going for rebounds or going in front of the net. But that’s what playoff hockey is all about. Winning those little battles and getting your nose dirty.”

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Winger Craig Johnson is quietly having a solid season for the Kings, and his first-period goal against San Jose gave him 14, establishing a new personal best for a season. Johnson, who has played in 58 games, also has a new high for points with 30 and assists with 16.

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Right wing Vitali Yachmenev did not put on a uniform against San Jose, making him a healthy scratch for the third time in four games since he was recalled from the minors on March 9. The Kings other healthy scratches were center Jason Morgan and defenseman Aki Berg, who has been cleared to play after missing two games because of a wrist injury.

TONIGHT vs. Dallas

* 7:30

* Fox Sports West

Site--Great Western Forum.

Radio--XTRA 690 (AM).

Records--Kings 31-22-11; Stars 39-16-10.

Season record vs. Stars--0-2-1.

Update--The Kings have been dominated by the Stars the last three seasons. Dallas has an 11-game unbeaten streak against the Kings (5-0-6). The Stars, who have led the Western Conference in points for most of the season, have three key players injured in defensemen Derian Hatcher (knee) and Sergei Zubov (neck) and center Mike Modano (shoulder). King goaltender Stephane Fiset is expected to start and already has set a personal best for a season with 23 wins.