Stevens Hopes to Regain Scoring Touch

Kevin Stevens, who had one goal against Phoenix Friday in the Kings’ 4-1 exhibition victory, knows he has much to prove this season after scoring only three goals in 20 games following his acquisition from Boston.

However, the 31-year-old left wing believes he can regain his old scoring touch because the back and leg injuries that contributed to his struggles have cleared up.

“I can’t really take anything positive from last year, starting with getting traded to Boston [from Pittsburgh],” he said. “I’m healthy, that’s the big thing. When I’ve been healthy I’ve been able to play well . . .

“There’s a lot of new faces here, but that makes it fun. What we had before wasn’t working. The guys we have now, we believe in each other. A lot of times last year we didn’t think we could win. This year, we believe we can.”

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With an overabundance of centers and little depth on the right side, Coach Larry Robinson on Friday experimented with Patrice Tardif at right wing with Dan Bylsma and Ian Laperriere. Robinson might also shift Ed Olczyk between center and right wing.