Robitaille’s Two Goals Help Kings Tie Quebec in Webster’s Debut

Luc Robitaille scored two goals as the Kings came from behind to give Coach Tom Webster a 3-3 tie with Quebec in his debut in an exhibition game here Friday night.

Asked if he felt relieved to have his first game as the Kings’ coach behind him, Webster said: “Hell, yes. My palms just stopped sweating.”

Robitaille had no complaints about Webster’s decision to try him as the left winger on Wayne Gretzky’s line. Early in training camp Webster settled upon the Kings’ acquisition from Sweden, Mikael Lindholm, as Gretzky’s right winger.

The Nordiques led, 2-0, when Robitaille scored in the second period. Joe Sakic put the Nordiques ahead, 3-1, on a power play goal later in the period. Robitaille cut the lead to 3-2 just 11 seconds into the final period, and Craig Duncanson (who played most of last season in New Haven) tied the game at 3:55.

King Notes

Scott Bjugstad needed some stitches over his left eye after he was hit by a puck early in the second period Friday night, but he returned to play. . . .Bernie Nicholls sat this game out while his right winger, Dave Taylor, recovered from an injury. . . .Larry Robinson sat out the first game but is expected to play tonight in Cincinnati against the New York Rangers. . . .Barry Beck, who hasn’t played a game since March of 1986 because of shoulder problems, is expected to play his first game with the Kings Monday in Cleveland . . . .Among the other King veterans who chose to sit out the first game were Jim Fox and Chris Kontos.