Kings Expect to Open at Home; Ducks Probably on the Road

Barring a last-minute change, the Kings will open the newly configured NHL 48-game season next Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Forum.

A time has not been announced, but league sources said the Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings have been promised early starts for some West Coast games to accommodate television schedules. A Canadian network, the CBC, has been advertising the Kings versus the Maple Leafs as the first game on its Hockey Night in Canada series.

The Mighty Ducks will open the season on the road, probably at Edmonton next Friday.

Although the revised NHL schedule might not be released until Saturday, the Kings are expected to open with a three-game home stand.

Rejoining the Kings on Thursday for an informal skate were forwards Mike Donnelly, Kevin Todd and Warren Rychel. Among those yet to return to Southern California are Jari Kurri, Tony Granato and Marty McSorley.

All but two of the Ducks gathered for their final informal workout at their practice rink in Anaheim.

Valeri Karpov was flying from Moscow, where he had been playing for the Central Red Army team. Patrik Carnback’s status was less certain. He has been playing in Sweden and contractual agreements are still to be determined before he returns to the Ducks.