Kings Get Alterations in a Hurry From Taylor

Scene and heard . . .

While pulling into the Forum parking lot the other night, I dodged a couple of King fans drinking beer and crushing the cans with their hands.

I stopped when I realized they were wearing Dave Taylor jerseys.

You can say Luc Robitaille this, or Rob Blake that, but this is the new general manager’s team.

Dave Taylor’s Kings look like him. They work like him. They have credibility with him.

The Kings didn’t need an endorsement like the one given by Scotty Bowman the other night to convince me they are better than last year’s ice fishermen.

They aren’t great, but they’re fun, and isn’t that different?

They are the second-youngest, second-tallest and second-heaviest team in the league--and some of those big kids can even shoot.

“I think we have a little more skill than we had a year ago,” Taylor said. “What we need is a little more speed.”

Which means they have to skate harder than the other guys, which they often do.

After 11 games, only two teams have beaten them in regulation.

Jozef Stumpel and Donald MacLean are two new guys who can become stars, which is two more than they had last year.

It has been four years, but it’s still neat to watch the puck hit the stick of that long-haired left wing and start yelling, “Luuuuuuuuc.”

Their only big disappointment, besides empty seats against defending Stanley Cup champions, has been that apple-cheeked Ollie Jokinen.

Last spring’s first-round pick has been badly overmatched, and by December could be celebrating his 19th birthday in some minor league.

At least one first-round pick from Finland--Aki Berg--is off to a good start.

Taylor isn’t impressed that the tough guys in the stands are wearing his jersey.

“I’ve been around a long time, that’s what it means,” he said, shrugging.

As if he knows it’s his job to to put new names on those shirts, and fast.

*

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I once said the same thing about Mark McGwire, figuring the Angels could sign him this winter for just money. . . .

I initially regretted my words when he was traded to St. Louis and stayed there with a long-term deal. . . .

But turns out, he still might have waited and come to the Angels this winter if he thought they would pay him. . . .

The Dodgers will pay Martinez, and can do it after next season when he is a free agent. . . .

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Start beating next year’s Heisman drums for Cade McNown. . . .

If organizers understand entertainment, his campaign will officially start in a New Year’s Day bowl game. . . .

So when the new arena opens, will Kobe Bryant be the first “Staples Gun”?