In order to cut off the numerous chances that sparked San Jose to 17 goals in the first three games of their first-round playoff series against Los Angeles, the Kings believe they have to cut off the middle. That's where Sharks centers like Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski have done their damage. "They've all got skill. You want to keep plays and pucks out of the middle because that's obviously the most dangerous part of the ice," Kings center Jarret Stoll said. "That's where scoring chances happen. Their centers, they control their play. Thornton knows what he's doing out there, Pavelski, all those guys. It's just a mindset, an attitude, to keep pucks out of the middle. We understand, maybe more so now. It took a couple of lessons maybe of where they are, where their structured system is and they're very disciplined at it. The team that makes the least amount of mistakes doing those things will probably have more chances and better chance to win the game." The Kings are down 3-1 in the series and face elimination in Game 5 in San Jose tonight.

Jarret Stoll scored a goal in the Kings' 4-3 shootout loss on Wednesday. It was Stoll's first marker since Feb. 26. He now has eight goals and 27 points in 76 games in 2013-14.

Kings head coach Darryl Sutter thinks Jarret Stoll will be a good coach someday. "Well-trained, great practice habits, knows the game, understands his role," Sutter offered as a description of Stoll. He added that he isn't sure if Stoll has a desire to coach someday, but it does speak to the type of guy he is. Stoll isn't an offensive force and consequently isn't helpful in standard fantasy leagues, but he helps the team kill penalties and is great on the draw.

Tonight's outdoor game at Dodger Stadium between Los Angeles and Anaheim is crucial for the Kings, center Jarret Stoll says. The Kings have lost four games in a row and 11 of 15. That includes a 2-1 loss to the Ducks at Anaheim on Thursday. The Kings can't be distracted by the occasion. "Sometimes, in different atmospheres, different surroundings, the game can be different," center Jarret Stoll said, "but we're going to try to do the same thing, for sure. Be a physical, hard, heavy game and play the style we play. If we don't, we're probably not going to win."

Jarret Stoll had a goal in Los Angeles' 2-1 shootout loss to Minnesota Tuesday evening. Stoll now has six goals and 10 assists in 40 games this season. Jeff Carter and Dwight King assisted the lone goal.

Jarret Stoll scored a goal in the Kings' 5-2 loss on Monday. Stoll has five goals and 14 points in 34 games this season. Those numbers aren't particularly impressive, but he's been hot lately with nine points in 11 December contests.

Jarret Stoll has been scoring lately with two goals and six points in his last six games. Stoll picked up his fourth goal of the season on Saturday and now has 11 points in 29 games, with 22 penalty minutes. Those stats are not worth looking at as a whole but his hot streak of late gives a boost to anyone who has him in deep pools.

Jarret Stoll returned to action on Friday November 15.

Jarret Stoll participated in a full practice on Sunday. Stoll last played on November 2 but it looks like he could be ready to go on Tuesday when the Kings start a four game road trip in Buffalo. Stoll has only two goals and four points in 15 games this season so he shouldn't be in your fantasy lineup.

Jarret Stoll's upper-body injury is a nagging ailment. Stoll is day-to-day and the Kings want him to take care of the problem now while their schedule is light. The Kings don't play again until Thursday.