Robinson Works ‘Sluggish’ Kings

After giving the team Sunday off, Coach Larry Robinson Monday put the Kings through a tough 90-minute practice that emphasized conditioning and board work.

“I felt that we were a little sluggish against Montreal [in a 4-1 loss on Saturday],” Robinson said. “We didn’t have the same jump that we had in previous games. I wanted to make sure that we are ready to go.”

Ray Ferraro, who has not played since suffering a knee injury in early October, and Russ Courtnall, who signed as an unrestricted free agent last Friday, went through the full practice and Robinson said that they were a little tired near the end.

“They will basically have to work themselves back into shape,” he said. “They can’t go in a couple of practices and expect to be back in top shape. I don’t want to throw them back in there until I feel that they are in pretty good shape.”

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Ferraro, who has not played since the second game of the season, said that his knee felt strong but his overall conditioning could be better.

“I had my first practice with contact today and the knee didn’t seem to have any trouble,” said Ferraro, who tore a left knee cartilage against the New York Rangers on Oct. 5. “My knee didn’t lock or it didn’t give out at all.”

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Goaltender Jamie Storr moved closer to returning to the Kings when he won his second consecutive game with the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Sunday. Robinson attended Sunday’s game, along with General Manager Dave Taylor, and said he would like to see Storr get a couple of more starts with the Ice Dogs.

TONIGHT

Kings vs. Vancouver

* 7:30 p.m.

Site--Forum.

Radio--XTRA 690 A.M.

Records--Kings 7-7-4, Canucks 3-12-2.

Record vs. Canucks--(1996-97) 3-1-1.

* Update--The Kings are 4-4 at home and are still looking for their first victory over a Pacific Division opponent. Center Jozef Stumpel has a team-high 13 assists and 20 points. Luc Robitaille has seven goals and 15 points. Second-line center Yanic Perreault has nine goals. Vancouver has the second-worst road record in the league at 1-7.