The NHL : Kings Are Suddenly a Big Draw

The Kings’ success on the ice has carried over to the box office. They sold out consecutive regular-season games last week against Boston and Philadelphia. The last time the Kings had two straight sellouts was on Jan. 2 and 4, 1975.

The Kings have had four sellouts in 17 home games this season, as many as they had in all 40 home games last season. The Kings were reportedly one of four teams in the National Hockey League that lost money last season.

The Philadelphia Flyers may have retired Bobby Clarke’s jersey, but he hasn’t hung up his skates.

Clarke, who quit playing to become the general manager, is playing in an old-timers hockey league in New Jersey along with several other former NHL stars.

Goalie Tom Barrasso of the Buffalo Sabres, who was sent down to the minors earlier this season, has apparently snapped out of his slump.

Barrasso had consecutive shutouts en route to posting three straight victories last week. Barrasso stopped 22 shots in a 6-0 decision over the hapless Toronto Maple Leafs last Wednesday, then stopped 14 shots in a 4-0 win over the Winnipeg Jets Friday. He also played well as the Sabres beat the New Jersey Devils, 2-1, Saturday.

Coach Pat Quinn of the Kings said the Philadelphia Flyers, once known as the Broad Street Bullies for their rough tactics, don’t play dirty anymore.

“They’re getting away from the image of the 1970s,” said Quinn, who coached the Flyers to the 1980 Stanley Cup final before being fired. “Now, they’re a lot like the New York Islanders.”

Mark Pavelich, the New York Rangers’ leading scorer last season, has returned to the lineup after missing 32 games with a broken leg. Pavelich had a goal and an assist in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over St. Louis Sunday night.

The Rangers, who have been hit with more injuries than any other team in the NHL this season, dropped into last place in the Patrick Division during Pavelich’s absence.

“I hope they don’t expect me to turn things around,” he said. “I’m not 100%. It’s going to take me another four or five games. I’m just trying to do what I can do.”

St. Louis Coach Jacques Demers said the Rangers should be an improved team with Pavelich.

“The Rangers are a better team than their record indicates,” Demers said. “With Pavelich back, and when Don Maloney returns (from a broken leg), they will have a very solid club.”