Robinson: Stevens’ Play Isn’t Pointless

Left wing Kevin Stevens is, at times, playing a more physical style of hockey than he did last season. And he’s getting scoring chances.

But his first shift of the season is symbolic of his luck so far. Against the New York Islanders, he hit the right post, and the puck bounced behind goaltender Eric Fichaud and sat in the crease 1:32 into the game. Stevens thought he scored and raised his stick in the air.

It was ruled no goal after a look at the video replay. He still hasn’t scored. In four games, Stevens is pointless and has a defensive rating of minus-four. King Coach Larry Robinson is concerned but not panicking.

“He’s working hard and not getting much accomplished,” Robinson said. “He’s not going to be the type of player who is going to grab the puck and go through everybody. [He should be] going to the net, and trying to get a rebound. Number one, we’re not getting the puck to the net and, number two, he’s not there.”

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The Kings have given up 18 goals during three consecutive losses. . . . Until Thursday they had scored at least one power-play goal in the first three games, but went zero for six against the Flyers on Thursday. . . . Defenseman Rob Blake is the only King with a point in each game. He has four assists.