Potent Lineup Impresses Ferraro

Center Ray Ferraro had played in only two games before he was sidelined after suffering torn cartilage in his left knee against the New York Rangers on Oct. 5.

Throughout his rehabilitation, Ferraro--who led the Kings in goals last season with 25--watched his teammates emerge as one of the top scoring teams in the NHL.

On Thursday, Ferraro finally returned to the lineup and helped the Kings to a 4-3 victory over Chicago. He is impressed with the team’s growth.

“The biggest thing that probably surprised people is that our team has scored as much as it has,” said Ferraro, who did not have any problems with the knee. “Guys who you didn’t think would score that much have, and that’s what makes a dangerous team, when you have many different guys scoring.”

Ferraro said he is still not in game shape but is getting better.

“The more games that I play in and the more tests that I get on it and come out OK, that’s when I’ll get that much more confident,” he said.

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The Kings have four goals in their last 21 power-play opportunities, but they’ve given up three short-handed goals during the same span. Coach Larry Robinson said the team’s power play needs a lot of work.

“Right now, we’re a little bit too predictable,” Robinson said. “If you look at most power plays that are struggling, it’s because you’re trying to be too perfect and not getting enough shots or guys going to the net. . . . What concerns me [with the Kings’ woes], a lot of it is just poor decisions.”

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Center Jozef Stumpel extended his scoring streak to six games with an assist on Rob Blake’s second-period goal against the Blackhawks. Blake has 71 goals, which moves him into a tie with Marty McSorley for second among all-time King defensemen. Steve Duchesne leads with 95.