Tardif Assigned to Phoenix

Since forward Patrice Tardif was left unprotected in the waiver draft, it wasn’t surprising when the Kings assigned him to Phoenix of the International Hockey League on Tuesday. Tardif, acquired from the St. Louis Blues in the Wayne Gretzky deal, was pointless in four exhibition games.

The move trimmed the roster to 28. Coach Larry Robinson said goaltender Stephane Fiset will start in the season opener Friday. Jamie Storr is likely to be the one sent to Phoenix if Robinson decides to keep only two goalies.

On the injury front, left wing Vladimir Tsyplakov, who has an abdominal strain, and left practice early Tuesday. He probably won’t be ready for the opener. Neither will Philippe Boucher, who has a sprained shoulder, and Craig Johnson, who has a hip injury and an abdominal strain. Johnson left for Vancouver on Tuesday to visit an abdominal specialist.

Defenseman Rob Blake, who is battling an arm injury, was named team captain but remains questionable for the opener. Forward Dimitri Khristich and defenseman Steven Finn resumed practicing, after having sat out with injuries. Center Paul diPietro is sidelined with flu.