KINGS REPORT / NOTES : Can the 21-Line Be a Sure Thing?

For the first time this season, Coach Larry Robinson put the Kings’ two youngest players-- center Olli Jokinen and Donald MacLean--on the same line in the 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night at the Forum.

Jokinen, 18, and MacLean, 20, were teamed with Steve McKenna, 24, which made the average age of the line 21.

Jokinen, who is still looking for his first NHL point, came close with a chance midway in the second period. After rebounding his own shot, Jokinen had a shot from in front of the crease stopped by a glove save by Detroit goaltender Kevin Hodson.

MacLean, who had four goals and six points in his first seven games, has not scored since he had a goal against Boston on Oct. 15.

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With goaltender Jamie Storr slowly working his way back into playing shape, Frederic Chabot’s starts may be numbered, but he has been a good signing for the Kings.

Chabot, who has spent most of his nine-year career in the minors, was the Most Valuable Player with the Houston Aeros of the International Hockey League last season.

But in four NHL starts, Chabot improved to 1-1-2 after defeating the New York Islanders, 3-2, last Tuesday. Chabot, who is 1-0-1 this season, won his first game against the Islanders, a team that he has faced in three of his four starts.

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The Kings will leave today for a 13-day five-game East Coast trip, which begins Sunday at Tampa Bay.