Coaches Have Special Connection

For King assistant Mark Hardy, facing the Dallas Stars and Coach Dave Tippett will always be a special challenge.

The coaches worked together as assistants for the Kings the last three seasons, with Hardy in charge of the penalty killers and Tippett handling the power play.

“Both of us know each other’s teams very well,” Hardy said before the Kings faced the Stars on Saturday night at Staples Center. “We can’t worry about what he’s going to do.”

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Defenseman Aaron Miller has not taken many faceoffs, but he had to step up for one in the first period Saturday against the Stars. With the Kings short-handed, Miller was called into the circle to replace Eric Belanger and won the faceoff.

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Winger Adam Deadmarsh sat out his fifth consecutive game because of post-concussion syndrome. Deadmarsh, who was injured against Toronto on Nov. 12, could be back in the lineup for the Kings’ next game because they do not play again until Wednesday, when they are at home against Florida.

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A portion of proceeds from a game featuring celebrities and former NHL players at Universal CityWalk on Friday at 10 a.m. will be donated to the Kings’ Alumni Assn. fund for needy children.

-- Lonnie White