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Associated Press
10/15/2006 2:18:10 AM

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Dallas Stars felt right at home in their sweep of back-to-back road games against the Los Angeles Kings.

Brenden Morrow scored twice on power plays and Stephane Robidas had three assists Saturday night, leading the Stars to their second straight 4-1 victory.

The defending Pacific Division champions were 2-6 against the Kings last season - but finished with 23 more points than Los Angeles in the Western Conference standings as the Kings failed to make the playoffs.

"We haven't had the most success in the world as a franchise here, but it's obviously a great place to play," goaltender Marty Turco said. "Hard work has been the key to our success so far. Everyone's been willing to pay the price, and it just goes to show with those two wins here."

The Stars' 4-0 start is the second-best in the franchise's 40-year history. They won their first six games in 1996-97, when they began a string of five consecutive division titles.

"We knew our depth would be an advantage for us and it really seemed to show out there," Turco said. "We're all enjoying this challenge together, and so far it has been fun. We're happy with the way we've played, but the best thing about this group is that we're never going to be content until it's all said and done at the end of the year."

Mike Ribeiro had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who also got a goal from Jere Lehtinen. Turco, who has backstopped all four victories, made 24 saves. The two-time all-star's bid for his 25th career shutout was spoiled when Michael Cammalleri scored on a power play with 2:43 to play.

Los Angeles was 1-for-16 on the power play in the back-to-back games against Dallas.

"That's a big credit to our defencemen. They're getting in a lot of lanes and blocking shots and clearing the pucks that do get through to Marty," centre Steve Ott said. "But our best penalty killer is Marty Turco. When that guy stands on his head night in and night out, you're going to be 4-0."

Mike Modano and Robidas both hit goalposts less than two minutes apart in the first period before Dallas took a 2-0 lead on power-play goals by Ribeiro and Morrow against Mathieu Garon in a 78-second span - both of which came on deflections of slap slots by Robidas.

"He's been shooting the puck and getting it past guys, and that's a little easier said than done," Turco said. "But Stephane's always been a warrior and a heart-and-soul guy for us. We're happy for him that he is getting points, but we know what he means to us nightly. And that's the most important thing."

Jeff Cowan was off for goaltender interference when Robidas' one-timer from the top of the left circle banked in off Ribeiro at 13:44. Alexander Frolov was serving a hooking penalty when Robidas' one-timer from the high slot changed direction off Morrow's stick while his back was to the net.

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