Defense Makes an Early Stand

Against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Forum on Friday night, for the first time this season, the Kings did not give up a first-period goal.

Over their first seven games, the Kings had given up 11 first-period goals, but a determined defensive effort kept the Flyers from scoring early.

The Kings outshot Philadelphia, 15-6, in the first period and 7-1 on solid scoring chances. Their pressure paid off quickly in the second period when Vladimir Tsyplakov scored 39 seconds in, giving the Kings a 1-0 lead. It was only the second time in eight games they scored first.

“Getting the first goal allows us to play our game,” said center Jozef Stumpel, who recorded an assist on Tsyplakov’s goal to extend his scoring streak to eight games. “When we don’t, we always try to hurry up and get it back. . . . When we do that, [defensive breakdowns happen] and we leave [players] open high [around the net], which gives the other teams lots of goals.”

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Forward Dan Bylsma, recalled from the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the International Hockey League on Thursday, was in the lineup Friday night but Steve McKenna, also recalled, was not because of travel problems associated with leaving the Fredericton Canadiens of the American Hockey League.

Bylsma’s impact was evident on the Kings’ first penalty kill against the Flyers. Teamed with defensive partner Ian Laperriere, Bylsma helped keep Philadelphia from any solid scoring chances on its first power play. The Kings had given up six power-play goals in 33 short-handed opportunities in their first seven games.

When the Kings recalled Bylsma and McKenna, they did not have to move any players on the roster because of injuries to goaltender Jamie Storr and center Ray Ferraro, both currently on the injured reserve list, and the recent demotion of defenseman Jan Vopat, sent to Utah of the IHL last Tuesday.

“We’ve had two openings all along,” King Coach Larry Robinson said. “We have a tough stretch of games coming up. . . . I think that we’ll be needing the extra guys.”

The Kings will continue their current six-game homestand on Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers before hosting the New York Islanders on Tuesday and the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.

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Rookie Olli Jokinen, who has been bothered by a hip injury, was a scratch against Philadelphia. He was joined by right wing Brad Smyth and McKenna. . . . The NHL all-star fan balloting began Friday.