O’Sullivan impresses Crawford

Patrick O’Sullivan’s reentry into the NHL is off to a better start than his first go-round.

O’Sullivan, acquired in a draft-day trade that sent Pavol Demitra to the Minnesota Wild, was recalled last Thursday and produced two goals in his first two games back.

“He seems much more committed to playing the game at an NHL level,” Coach Marc Crawford said. “His ability to stay on the play, to win one-on-one battles has been better. It was never a question of his ability.”

O’Sullivan’s first NHL stint ended in November, when he was sent to Manchester for an American Hockey League refresher course. With the Monarchs, it was not so much about scoring as it was about honing his game without the puck.

“He’s knocking defenders off the puck now and is learning how to get open in the offensive end,” Crawford said. “To his credit, he stayed on things down there.”

O’Sullivan remains a key component in the Kings’ rebuilding project and team officials are taking the time to nurture him. That includes video sessions the day after games, with O’Sullivan reviewing each of his shifts.

“I think I kept a good attitude about being sent down,” said O’Sullivan, who turns 22 today. “Obviously, I didn’t want to go down, but there is a reason for everything. ... I understand how I have to play at this level. I think I’ve become a more complete player.”

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Forward Alyn McCauley, who has had two surgeries on his left knee, will probably be put on injured reserve so he can strengthen the knee, Crawford said. ... Mathieu Garon (broken finger) said he could catch pucks without pain. He will probably come off the injured reserve on the trip that begins Saturday at Florida. ... Defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky missed practice Wednesday -- his wife, Natalia, gave birth to the couple’s first child, a boy.

TONIGHT

vs. Chicago, 7:30, FSNW

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Kings 17-30-6, Blackhawks 18-25-7.

Record vs. Blackhawks (2005-06) -- 3-1.

Update -- Not exactly a game that draws attention. The Kings have won once in the last 10 games, the Blackhawks once in the last 11.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.

chris.foster@latimes.com