Kings Go With Robinson to Put Out Their Fire : Hockey: New coach has the credentials, personality and leadership skills to be a success--and he stresses defense.

The Kings held a Forum news conference Wednesday to introduce new Coach Larry Robinson.

It is becoming commonplace for an organization whose last coach to survive more than three years was Bob Pulford, who left in 1977.

Asked how he felt about the large graveyard of former King coaches, Robinson said: “I haven’t gone out and bought a plot yet.”

Of course, it was only his first day on the job.

But Robinson, 44, figures to succeed where many of his predecessors failed because he brings with him three important elements often lacking in the past--credentials earned as an all-star defenseman in 20 NHL seasons that will bring him the instant respect of his players, a sense of humor and a likable personality that should bring him easy rapport with media and fans, and a devotion to the defensive side of the game that could bring him immediate success on the ice.

“I hate losing,” Robinson said. “I’ve never missed the playoffs, and there’s a challenge right there.”

After reaching the Stanley Cup finals in 1993, the Kings have failed to qualify for the playoffs the last two seasons.

While ending his playing career with three years in Los Angeles, Robinson never hesitated to criticize the Kings when they reverted to a style of play that sacrificed defense for a wide-open offensive game plan, which Robinson called “fire-wagon hockey.”

And Wednesday, he made it plain there’ll be none of that with him as coach.

“You can’t outscore everybody, 8-7,” Robinson said. “You can’t score five or six goals every night. The goaltender winds up trying to stop 48 to 50 shots a night. That’s not my style. That’s not how to win hockey games.”

That Robinson was even in Los Angeles talking about winning hockey games could not have been predicted a few weeks ago.

After completing his second season as an assistant with the New Jersey Devils, adding another Stanley Cup to the six he won as a player with the Montreal Canadiens, Robinson believed he was ready to be a head coach.

But not in Los Angeles.

He had heard all the stories about the team’s uncertain financial future. He had even heard rumors that the club might move to another city, anywhere from San Diego to San Francisco.

So when team executive Rogie Vachon visited Robinson with the idea of selling him on the job, Robinson, who was also talking to the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers, had his doubts about returning to the Kings.

“Maybe we were not his first choice,” Vachon said, “and I wouldn’t blame him. He needed some convincing. We answered his questions, and he got excited all over again.”

Robinson believes he can get former teammate Wayne Gretzky excited about playing for him.

“He’s still going to play another year, at least,” Robinson said, “and that’s fine with me.”

After the firing of Barry Melrose with seven games remaining last season, former King Dave Taylor was made an assistant under Vachon, the interim head coach.

Robinson wouldn’t commit himself on retaining either Taylor or assistant John Perpich until he talks to them.

Be assured, they’ll be talking about the future, not the past.