Nurminen Makes His Value Known

One of the biggest hits in training camp has been Finnish right wing Kai Nurminen, who had a goal Friday against Phoenix and another Saturday against Vancouver while playing with various linemates, including Kevin Stevens, Ray Ferraro and Petr Klima.

“Every game he’s played in he’s been a presence,” King Coach Larry Robinson said of Nurminen, 27, who was chosen in the eighth round of the June entry draft. “He’s good on the power play and on penalty killing. He gives us some speed and he’s got a great shot.”

Nurminen, who believes he was overlooked by NHL scouts because he never played for Finland’s national team, said his adjustment to NHL hockey was accelerated by playing in the recent World Cup.

“I came here and played in games on the small ice rinks, so that helped me,” said Nurminen, who played for the Swedish team HV 71 last season.

*

Center Brent Grieve was recalled from Phoenix of the IHL. . . . Vladimir Tsyplakov aggravated a stomach muscle pull Friday and didn’t play Saturday. . . . Robinson was pleased with most aspects of Jamie Storr’s 32-save performance Friday. “What I like now that he wasn’t doing last year is he’s banging for rebounds,” Robinson said. “He used to kind of leave [rebounds] out there a little bit.”