Robinson, Blake, Selanne Are Finalists

Larry Robinson, who led the Kings to a 20-point improvement this season, was named as a finalist for the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year, King captain Rob Blake was selected as a finalist for the James Norris Trophy for most outstanding defenseman, and the Mighty Ducks’ Teemu Selanne was selected as a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy for league Most Valuable Player and the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

“This is just the icing on the cake,” Robinson said. “This is more of a team award than a personal one.”

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The United States suffered another humiliating setback at the World Championships Monday, losing, 3-2, to Latvia on a technical goal with three seconds remaining at Zurich, Switzerland.

With the score tied, the Latvians were awarded a technical goal when American captain Eric Weinrich threw his stick to prevent Olegs Znaroks from scoring on a breakaway into an empty net with three seconds to go.

The defeat dropped the United States into a requalification tournament in November, where the Americans would have to qualify to regain a spot in the elite A-pool.

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