Kings Come Alive On and Off the Ice : Hockey: After blowing a 4-1 lead, they defeat Flames, 5-4, on Rychel’s shot in overtime.

For the Kings, the first positive developments in weeks occurred Monday--on and off the ice.

On the ice, they won their first road game since Oct. 29 as they beat the Flames, 5-4, at the Saddledome when Warren Rychel scored with one second remaining in overtime, putting a rebound of defenseman Rob Blake’s shot from the right circle past goaltender Mike Vernon. Calgary had climbed back into the game with three goals in the third period.

“I just went to the net and I just beat him to it,” Rychel said. “We needed to win a hockey game--plain and simple. How many coaches would have give me the opportunity in overtime? I was the goat on their fourth goal. I don’t think too many other coaches would have put me out there.”

Rychel said Coach Barry Melrose held an intense team meeting Sunday night, which helped to motivate them. According to those at the meeting, Melrose said that any player might be traded if the situation did not improve quickly.

Apparently, the words had an impact. Also helping were the stellar efforts of Wayne Gretzky and goaltender Kelly Hrudey, who made 49 saves. Gretzky scored twice, going around defenseman Al MacInnis for his second goal in an outstanding individual effort.

The Kings were hurt when Jari Kurri left with a strained groin in the second period.

They had lost 10 consecutive road games and were 3-14 in their last 17. The victory left the Kings (12-19-2) in 11th place in the Western Conference but only three points out of a playoff spot.

Melrose made a somewhat dramatic move, benching forward Tomas Sandstrom for the first time in his career. Sandstrom, who has 10 goals and 26 points, was displeased by the demotion and lashed out at Melrose.

But that’s hardly anything new for the explosive Kings.

Off the ice, King owner Bruce McNall made it clear that he would not put up with public bickering between Melrose and the front office of General Manager Nick Beverley and President Roy Mlakar. He said he will call a summit meeting of the factions either Wednesday or Thursday.

“When you lose, everybody says and does things maybe they shouldn’t do,” McNall said Monday from his office in Los Angeles. “I’m disappointed in everybody. And I mean, everybody . “You hate to have things like that. It’s disruptive. I want to see if we can put all the parties in one room and figure out what the heck is going on. Obviously, it’s not good for everybody. And I will not endure the internal bickering.”

The philosophical differences did not surprise McNall, who had meetings with his coaches and Beverley on Friday in Buffalo. “Well, I sensed something was brewing and that people weren’t on the same wavelength,” McNall said. “I want to make sure we all get on the same page.”

He does not want to have to choose between Melrose and Beverley and/or Mlakar. “I don’t think that will happen,” McNall said. “I would hope we would all work through this together. Or none of them may be around.”

Once again, McNall did not rule out trading any of his players with the exception of Gretzky. As for reacquiring former King Marty McSorley from Pittsburgh, McNall said he would not be against if his coaches and front office were in agreement.

There’s little doubt where Gretzky stands. At Monday morning’s skate, he was asked whether the Kings were struggling because of McSorley’s departure. “Our record would indicate that, wouldn’t it?” Gretzky said.

King Notes

Forward Tomas Sandstrom was upset about his shrinking role even before he was scratched Monday, saying: “He (Coach Barry Melrose) is not using me that much anyway. I don’t think it’s fair, but he’s the coach and he makes the call. I look at it this way: I had more ice time last year when I was hurt than I have had this year. If I don’t feel I’m part of the team, there’s no chance I’ll stay around next year. If they are going to sit me out, then obviously I’m not part of it.” Sandstrom played sparingly against Toronto with only three shifts in the first two periods. He had no shots on goal against the Maple Leafs or against Buffalo. Melrose said several other of his forwards have been playing better than Sandstrom.