Robinson Likes the Spirit

Being more aggressive offensively is something the Kings have spent a lot of time concentrating on in training camp. And, after opening with exhibition victories over San Jose and Colorado, Coach Larry Robinson said the team is vastly improved from last season.

“That’s what pleased me most,” he said. “We had more guys going to the net in two games than we did all of last season.”

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The Kings will be affiliated with four minor league teams this season since the Phoenix Roadrunners, their affiliate last season, ended operations last spring.

On Tuesday, the Kings began their complex distribution of players by sending down left wing Nathan LaFayette and defensemen Mark Visheau and Jan Nemecek to the Fredericton Canadiens, and defenseman Ruslan Batyrshin and center Andrew Dale to the Springfield Falcons in the American Hockey League. They also sent center Chris Taylor to the Utah Grizzlies in the International Hockey League.

Before the start of the season, the Kings will end up sending seven players to Fredericton and four each to Springfield and Utah. They also may send as many as four players to the Long Beach Ice Dogs, reportedly the final minor league affiliate.