Right: No stopping Costello; Paul Costello is on a rampage, putting 8 goals in for 10 points in his last 2 games - The struggling Zombies were in search of their first win of the season, after putting up a 0-9-1 record through 10 games. The Kings on the otherhand, are on the other side of the spectrum, losing only 1 game this season through 10. So anybody could see what kind of outcome would result in the match-up.

Word: Natural Hat Trick Defenition: when a player scores 3 goals consecutively in a single game.
Word: Pure Hat Trick Defenition: when a player scores 3 consecutive goals in a period.

It was pure and simple. Paul Costello's hot hand in scoring goals has officially hit stride. It was two hockey terms that Costello defined Thursday night in Anaheim, as he scored the first 3 goals in the game, all in the first period. On all 3 goals, Costello stepped in and went alone on against Zombies goaltender Dan Shubin, who never really had a chance. Paul didnt stop at three, as he was credited with his 4th goal in a row after a loose puck was tapped home. It was either Costello or Dave Young in the vicinity, but the goal was credited to Costello, whom scored the only goals in the first period with 4. At the end of 1, the Kings had a commanding 4-0 lead.

The second period the Kings continued their dommination over the Zombies. The Kings would add 5 goals in the second to put the game out of reach. Marc McGinnis returned to the Kings lineup, putting in his 6th goal in his 6th game this season. Dan Coleman also returned to the Kings line-up after being out a few weeks, scoring his 5th goal of the season. Coleman also had a good night, putting in 1 goal and 3 assists for a 4 point night. Mike Brewster became the second player on the Kings to hit the 10 goal plateau, scoring 2 goals in the period. The 9th and final goal for the Kings came from the stick of Kevin Costello, who continued his point streak to 8 games. He also hit the 10 goal plateau with his 23rd point of the season.

Even though the Zombies were able to muster up 2 goals, captain Costello decided to change things up to start the third period with the Kings way ahead with 9 goals through 2 periods. It was an opportunty to put players in postitions they normally are not familiar with. 3 of the 4 everyday defenseman were sent up front as fowards, and some forwards moved back to the blue-line. The Kings didnt put any more goals up, however their dominance over the Zombies was prevalent from the moment the puck was dropped. The Kings outshot the Zombies 47-17 in a 9-2 triumph.

It was the second game in a row that captain Paul Costello netted 4 goals. His two game total of 8 goals brings his point total to within 4 points of the league lead in points. For the majority of the year, Paul has led the league in assists but recently has been putting the puck in himself. His 6 point performance against the Zombies and 10 points in his last two games as put him in the race for scoring title. With the season halfway through, he has a chance to become the first King to lead the league in points at seasons end.