Bylsma Strengthens Defense

Forward Dan Bylsma concedes he was disappointed when the Kings sent him down to the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the International Hockey League before the start of the season, but he didn’t let the demotion affect his play.

“I wanted to be in L.A. [with the Kings] . . . that was my goal going into camp, but the reality was that I didn’t make it,” said Bylsma, who was recalled Thursday and played a key role in the Kings’ 5-1 victory over Philadelphia on Friday.

“If I wanted a chance to come back, I knew that I couldn’t sit around and feel sorry for myself. I knew I had to go down and prepare myself physically. . . . I had to stay ready mentally in case I did get called back up.”

Bylsma’s positive attitude and defensive skills made it easy for King Coach Larry Robinson to decide to bring him back after the Kings struggled in the first two games of their current six-game home stand, giving up nine goals.

With Bylsma in the lineup, center Ian Laperriere, who scored his first goal of the season against the Flyers, is more effective, Robinson said.

“It’s nice to know that going into the last couple of minutes in a period in a close game that I can put Dan out there and know he’s going to be responsible defensively,” Robinson said. “I honestly think that he also makes Laperriere a better player. Whatever skills [Bylsma] may lack, he makes up with his heart and desire to go along with his attitude. He wants it bad.”

*

Goaltender Jamie Storr, sidelined because of a groin injury since training camp, skated with the team Saturday, but Robinson said Storr is still weeks from returning to the lineup. . . . Olli Jokinen’s hip injury is not serious enough to prevent him from playing. Robinson kept him out of the lineup Friday because he believed the 18-year-old rookie needed to watch and study more NHL play.

TONIGHT

vs. Edmonton

* 5 p.m.

* Fox Sports

West 2

Site--Forum.

Radio--AM 1150.

Records--Kings 2-3-3, Oilers 2-5-1.

Record vs. Oilers--2-3-1 (1996-97 season).

Update--A victory tonight would put the Kings at .500 and give them their first victory against a Pacific Division opponent. With a goal and an assist in Friday’s 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, Jozef Stumpel extended his scoring streak to eight games. He has a team-high five goals and his 13 points rank among the league leaders. Defenseman Garry Galley has nine points, including six assists in his last five games. Edmonton is coming off a 2-1 loss to the Mighty Ducks on Friday and is 1-2 on the road. The Oilers have given up a league-high 29 goals in eight games.