It’s Clicking for Duchesne

The shots that weren’t going into the net are now. Not his shots, those by teammates, which is why Steve Duchesne, after a slow start, has seven assists in his last eight games

Duchesne, who failed to get an assist in his first 12 games, has assists on each of the Kings’ last four power-play goals.

“I’ve tried to put everything out of my mind,” said Duchesne, who admitted that he had been pressing earlier in the season, when the power play wasn’t working and when he was trying to justify the $3.75 million-per-year contract he signed with the Kings after leaving St. Louis. “I’m not pressing as much.”

And he’s getting more help.

“It’s still five guys, not one,” Duchesne said.

On the Kings’ power play, still the league’s worst statistically but improving with each game, the addition of Glen Murray at the blue line and Olli Jokinen at center has helped mightily.

Jokinen, 19, has two of the four power-play goals in the last three games.

“Olli looks like he’s played for 15 years,” Duchesne said. “And [Murray] has a great shot. You have to respect it.”

All of which makes Duchesne’s job easier.

“I’m trying to just relax and have some fun again,” he said.

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A rare sight Thursday: the Kings practiced with both goalies, Stephane Fiset and Jamie Storr.

It hasn’t happened that much since the two were injured in a game on Oct. 18. Each has played only one game since, but both could be ready for Saturday night’s game against Phoenix.

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Jokinen has four goals and four assists in his first nine games, and his shooting percentage--23.5% (four for 17)--leads NHL rookies.