Kings Close In On Playoff Berth

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Matt Greene scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and the Los Angeles Kings moved within a win of a playoff berth by defeating the Dallas Stars 3-1 Saturday.

Wayne Simmonds had a goal and an assist, Dustin Brown tallied and Jonathan Quick stopped 24 shots for Los Angeles, which improved to 9 2-1 in its last 11.

Things were tied in the third until Greene's one-timer from outside the faceoff circle beat Kari Lehtonen's stick side 12:50 into the period. Simmonds had sent in a cross from behind the net that sailed cleanly in front of the crease, leading to Green's uncontested shot.

Richards scored his 26th goal of the year for Dallas, which dropped its six straight, and barring a miracle in the final week will miss the postseason for a third straight year.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)