Kings resist temptation to retaliate against Blackhawks, sort of

With two of their best players -- Mike Richards and Jeff Carter -- injured in the last three games against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Kings say they must be smart about exacting revenge.

“Yeah, well, I think within the rules, we’ve got to take care of those guys,” winger Kyle Clifford told reporters at the team’s training site in El Segundo on Wednesday.

Richards, who has a history of concussions, has remained on the sideline since taking a hard hit near the end of Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Carter needed stitches on Tuesday night after catching a stick in the mouth from Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith.

On Wednesday, the NHL suspended Keith for one game.

“It’s not time to go out and retaliate and take dumb penalties,” Carter said. “You do that, your season’s going to be over pretty quick, especially against a team like Chicago.”

With the series set to resume on Thursday at Staples Center, defenseman Matt Greene suggested another tactic.

“Our whole mentality is to play a physical, grinding game, to be hard on their skill guys,” he said. “That’s our game plan. Everyone knows that. You have to do it within the rules.”

ALSO:

Kings are getting help in unexpected places

Blackhawks’ Duncan Keith suspended for one game

Judge orders Dodgers to release details of deal with Frank McCourt