Smyth Foresees Small Crowds

Playing in front of only 6,083 fans at the 21,000-seat Greensboro Coliseum did not surprise the Kings’ Brad Smyth on Tuesday. That’s because Smyth is a minor legend to hockey fans in the area after playing a season with the Carolina Monarchs in the team’s first American Hockey League season in Greensboro, N.C., two years ago.

Smyth, who had an assist in the Kings’ 3-3 tie, led the league in goals with 68 and points with 126 to earn most valuable player honors playing for the Monarchs.

“It was exciting for me to be here again, but I think it was expected that not too many people would show up,” said Smyth, traded to the Kings from Florida last season. “In time, I think people will start to support the team, but it may not be until it moves to Raleigh.”

King Captain Rob Blake agreed.

“Once they start winning some games here and the team finally moves into its permanent arena, people will start showing up,” he said. “It’s going to take some time.”

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Center Ray Ferraro, who suffered a left knee injury against the New York Rangers on Sunday, will be out at least two weeks because of torn cartilage in the knee, it was determined Tuesday.

Ferraro may face minor surgery if he is unable to play after a few weeks of rehabilitation. Until then, the Kings plan to use Olli Jokinen more at center and the team may look at calling up Dan Bylsma or Nathan LaFayette from the minors, according to Coach Larry Robinson.