Kings vs. Stars: Penalties open door for Dallas to take 2-1 lead

The Kings are not doing goaltender Jonathan Bernier any favors.

The Kings' inability to stay out of the penalty box was costly in the second period, when the Dallas Stars scored two power-play goals to give them a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.

Bernier stopped seven shots on the Stars’ three power plays in the first period. But he was unable to prop up the Kings in the second period.

Defenseman Matt Greene took an unnecessary roughing penalty in the corner. Loui Eriksson redirected a Brad Richards pass 14 seconds later to tie the score, 1-1, 11:24 into the second period.

Brad Richardson was sent off for delay of game after flipping the puck into the stands from the Kings' zone. Richards made another highlight-reel pass, this time sending the puck across ice to the far post, where Jamie Langenbrunner tapped it in for a 2-1 lead 16:59 into the period.

Bernier, who is making a second consecutive start for the first time this season, has stopped 20 of 22 shots.

The Kings took the lead 7:30 into the game when Justin Williams circled in from the left and flicked the puck through the crease and off Dallas defenseman Nicklas Grossman, who was tangled with Ryan Smyth, for the goal.

--Chris Foster

Photo: Kings left wing Ryan Smyth dives for the puck with Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas on Monday night in Dallas. Credit: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images