Defensive Forwards Recalled

To help shore up their defense, the Kings recalled forwards Dan Bylsma and Steve McKenna on Thursday.

Bylsma, who played 79 games with the Kings last season, is regarded as a defensive specialist. He began the season with the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the International Hockey League.

McKenna, a 6-foot-8 enforcer, finished last season with the Kings but was cut in training camp and had been playing with the Fredericton Canadiens of the American Hockey League.

“We need some help defensively,” Coach Larry Robinson said. “We’ve been suffering a little bit with defensive breakdowns. A guy like Bylsma, that’s his forte. . . . He will also help with our penalty kill.

“With [McKenna], I think we’re not the same team since he left. We have [Matt Johnson] for toughness but Stevie brings us more than just his toughness. He has a great presence. The guys like him and he’s been playing well.”

With 26 goals allowed in their first seven games--nine in their last two--the Kings rank next to last in the NHL. Only Edmonton, with 27, has given up more goals.

Defenseman Aki Berg said the Kings have struggled with defensive lapses.

“We just have to play the games like we do in practice,” Berg said. “We have to finish people with [our checks]. We’re not putting the body on people.”

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Rookie Olli Jokinen, who has struggled with the pace of the NHL, is not expected to play tonight against Philadelphia because of a hip injury. Robinson said Jokinen has been watching too much on the ice and needs to initiate more play.

Center Ray Ferraro, on injured reserve with a torn left knee cartilage, was able to jog during practice Thursday. He is still listed as week to week.

Tonight

vs. Philadelphia

* 7:30

* Fox Sports West

Site--Forum.

Radio--XTRA 690.

Records--Kings 1-3-3; Flyers 5-2-1.

Record vs. Flyers--(1996-97) 1-1.

Update--This game will match the two biggest teams in the NHL. The average Flyer is 6 feet 3, 208 pounds and the average King is 6-2, 206. The Kings are coming off a dismal defensive effort in a 5-3 loss to Boston on Wednesday night at the Forum. Center Jozef Stumpel extended his scoring streak to seven games with a third-period assist. He has 11 points in seven games. Goaltender Stephane Fiset has a 6-2-2 record versus Philadelphia. The Flyers, who tied the Mighty Ducks, 2-2, on Wednesday, are 2-0-1 on this trip. Eric Lindros had a goal and an assist against Anaheim and leads the Flyers with 13 points.