Panthers at Kings
THE STORY: The Florida Panthers had their best month of November in over 15 years under first-year coach Kevin Dineen. They have the chance to post their first victory over the Los Angeles Kings in nine years when the clubs meet at the Staples Center on Thursday. Florida, which sits atop the Southeast Division with 30 points, earned 17 in November - its highest total for that month since notching a franchise-record 21 in 1995. It begins its December schedule against a Los Angeles club it has not beaten since Nov. 27, 2002, losing each of the last six meetings. The Panthers are 4-1-1 in their last six overall contests and have won five of seven on the road. Florida is 1-1-0 on its four-game road trip, while Los Angeles owns an identical record on its four-game homestand. The Kings, who have won 13 of their last 16 games against Southeast Division opponents, are a perfect 16-for-16 on the penalty kill over their last four matches.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FSN (Florida), FSN West (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (13-7-4): Shawn Matthias finally has begun to contribute offensively. After registering just five points in his first 21 games this season, the 23-year old has scored three goals in his last two contests. Tomas Fleischmann has been one of the hottest players on the team, recording six tallies and 12 points in his last 10 matches. Florida has lost four of its last five visits to Los Angeles.
ABOUT THE KINGS (12-8-4): Dustin Penner has been medically cleared to play following a hand injury, but he will not be in the lineup Thursday. Penner, who has just two assists in 14 games this season, will be missing his ninth straight contest. Mike Richards has scored seven goals in as many games and nine over his last 10 matches. Anze Kopitar is averaging a point per game (24 in 24) this campaign.
OVERTIME:
1. Ethan Moreau's goal in Los Angeles' 2-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday was his first in 59 games.
2. The Kings have scored three goals five times during their six-game winning streak against the Panthers. They tallied seven times in the other victory.