Backup Dafoe Says He Stays Prepared

After making only two starts over the last month, goaltender Byron Dafoe’s got a surprise call Tuesday night when Stephane Fiset left the game because of a groin injury after the first period at Edmonton.

Fiset had made 12 of the Kings’ last 14 starts, including Tuesday’s game against the Oilers, but Dafoe was ready before the game.

“It’s been an adjustment. The key is to try and stay mentally prepared at all times because you never know when that chance is going to come,” said Dafoe after the Kings’ morning skate on Tuesday. “Right now, it’s tough because Steph is playing so well. But, things can change quickly and you’re in there.”

Dafoe, who missed two games because of a thumb injury he suffered against Chicago on Feb. 1., had been the goalie who won key games for the Kings before their recent win streak. Of his 11 victories, five ended winless streaks of at least two games.

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The league decided not to suspend King forward Dimitri Khristich for his ejection for a cross-check to Vancouver’s Scott Walker on Saturday.

Defenseman Sean O’Donnell did not play against Edmonton because of a back injury and winger Kevin Stevens missed his fifth consecutive game because of an ankle injury. Forward Ian Laperriere returned after missing two games because of post-concussion syndrome.