Robinson Gives Players Credit as Playoffs Become a Reality

Thanks to the Mighty Ducks’ victory over Edmonton Wednesday night, the Kings officially clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 1993.

Third-year Coach Larry Robinson says that credit for the team’s turnaround should go to the players.

“Playoffs? That word wasn’t even heard around here other than in the context of ‘Well, you’re out of the playoffs again,’ ” Robinson said. “I got sick and tired of hearing that.

“It’s a tribute not to what the coaches did, but what the players did. We didn’t do anything different. They did it all.”

The Kings need two more wins or two losses by Phoenix to clinch fifth place in the Western Conference.

*

Starting with tonight’s game against Edmonton, the Kings will play five of their final six at home to close out the regular season. Robinson says that it’s important for the Kings to build on their 3-1 win at Colorado on Monday and continue to play well.

“One game doesn’t make a streak,” Robinson said.

“We have got to start playing good consistent hockey from now right to the end because there are only six games left. We have to put together six great games, that’s the best way to enter the playoffs. Playing great hockey.”

When asked if he felt the Kings were ready to start the playoffs now, Robinson said: “Yep, but if you had asked me a week ago I might have said that I’m not too sure. The attitude is a lot better now. . . . I see a lot more smiling faces. The tempo of practice is so much better. Guys aren’t as discouraged. We were seeing a little frustration on their faces.”

*

The Kings will host a Nike/NHL Street Festival on Saturday in the Forum parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. before playing Colorado at 3. The festival will include three portable roller hockey rinks that will feature continuous games involving 24 teams of children aged 6-13. Children not enrolled in the Street Knights Program will be able to participate in the four hockey clinics that will be taught by Kings’ youth and amateur hockey staff.

TONIGHT

Los Angeles vs. Edmonton

* 7:30

* Fox Sports West

Site--Great Western Forum.

Radio--XTRA 690 (AM)

Records--Kings 35-30-11; Oilers 31-37-10.

Record vs. Oilers--1-3.

Update--Edmonton is the only Pacific Division rival to hold an edge over the Kings this season, having already won twice at the Forum. Oiler goaltender Curtis Joseph has dominated against the Kings in giving up only eight goals in four games. King center Jozef Stumpel’s 54 assists ranks sixth in the league. Forward Vladimir Tsyplakov leads the Kings with a plus-18 rating.