Crawford Says Stick to System

There were so many things that could be rehashed about the Kings’ 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday, a game that looked all-too-similar to the Kings’ 4-1 loss to the Stars on Thursday.

After Thursday’s game, Kings players were staunch in saying that their losing effort could not happen again. It did two nights later, and they were left saying the same words.

So the Kings greeted a new day Sunday by acknowledging another bad night and were ready to prepare for tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

“We need to have less individual play and stick to the system,” forward Scott Thornton said. “It’s tough when we’re behind early. Everybody then tries to do something to get back in the game instead of sticking to the system.

“It’s a long year and we know we have to play better. No one is pushing the panic button.”

The mildly concerned button is what might been needed. The Kings are five for 45 on power plays this season and gave up three power-play goals Saturday to the Stars. The Kings’ effort seemed to dissipate after a deflection gave the Stars a 1-0 lead.

“When you’re out of sync, stick to the system and do the simple things,” Coach Marc Crawford said. “This isn’t rocket science. Play north-south hockey.”

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Anze Kopitar has burst on the scene, but Patrick O’Sullivan, the Kings’ other high-end rookie, has labored. He watched the game as a healthy scratch Saturday.

“Whether it’s work ethic or energy, it’s something you have to have at this level all the time,” Crawford said. “I love skill. There may be no one in the NHL who loves skill more than me. But you can’t have skill unless you work.”

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Baseball-town? Hockey is not the hottest game in town in Detroit these days, which is OK with the Red Wings. Several team members attended the Tigers’ playoff game Saturday before taking a charter flight to Los Angeles.

The Tigers and Red Wings are owned by Mike Ilitch.

“It’s great to see them doing so well,” said Red Wings Coach Mike Babcock, the Ducks’ coach for two seasons. “It reminds me of when I was with the Ducks and the Angels won the World Series and we went to the Stanley Cup finals.”

The Ducks and Angels were owned by the Walt Disney Co. at the time.

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chris.foster@latimes.com

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KINGS TONIGHT

vs. Detroit, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Kings 2-3-0, Red Wings 2-1-1.

Record vs. Red Wings (2005-06) -- 0-3-1.

Update -- The Kings have lost 10 consecutive games to the Red Wings, two in overtime.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.