1.   Already, the Kings are playing without defenseman Aaron Miller.

2.   And the Kings already were playing without leading scorer Ziggy Palffy, who is back in Los Angeles nursing a sore lower back.

3.   And then the Kings play host to the Chicago Blackhawks next Saturday in a significant game.

4.   Backup goalie Byron Dafoe will get his second straight start in place of struggling Stephane Fiset when the Kings play the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday in Chicago.

5.   Because the Kings virtually play every other day for the rest of the regular season, there is little time for on-ice power-play tinkering.

6.   Abdullah also agreed that the former king could play a symbolic, rallying role for the nation, Dobbins said.

7.   After Christmas, the Kings play St. Louis, Dallas, Detroit and Colorado on the road in a stretch of six days.

8.   After beating the Blue Jackets, the Kings play tonight in Pittsburgh before returning to Los Angeles.

9.   After leaving Ottawa, the Kings play Wednesday night in Toronto.

10.   After that, the Kings play eight consecutive home games.