Kings burned in Calgary again

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The name of the Calgary Flames’ home arena has changed several times during its existence, but by any name it remains a house of horrors for the Kings, who extended their losing streak in Calgary to 10 games with a 3-1 loss in the Flames’ home opener Sunday at the newly rechristened Scotiabank Saddledome.

Curtis Glencrossscored a short-handed goal off a clever backhander in the second period after a giveaway by Kings defenseman Jack Johnson. Former King Craig Conroypadded that lead to 2-0 at 1:20 of the third period, using defenseman Davis Drewiske as a screen to beat Jonathan Bernier with a rising shot.

Dustin Brownscored the Kings’ first five-on-five goal of the season at 14:06 when he tipped a long shot by Anze Kopitar and made it 2-1. But the Flames sealed the outcome with Niklas Hagman’s empty-net goal with 22.4 seconds left in the third period and Brad Richardson in the penalty box.

The Kings have not won a game in Calgary since they recorded a 5-2 victory on Dec. 21, 2005. Their frustration boiled over into a scrum at the end of Sunday’s game.

After opening the season Saturday in Vancouver with a 2-1 shootout victory the Kings didn’t seem sharp Sunday. Their forwards were often caught in the offensive zone when play turned the other way and they never exerted any consistent pressure on Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff. Calgary had a 32-22 edge in shots.

The Kings make their home debut at Staples Center on Tuesday against the Atlanta Thrashers.

More later at www.latimes.com/sports

--Helene Elliott in Calgary, Canada