Robitaille Is Spark for Kings

Any doubts about Luc Robitaille’s recovery from an abdominal injury that cost him so much playing time last season have been dispelled.

He’s becoming a pain to the Kings’ opposition.

Robitaille’s first goal Tuesday night, coming with a two-man advantage, triggered a five-goal second period that sent the Kings to an 8-3 victory over the Mighty Ducks before 5,203 at the Great Western Forum.

It was the first of three Robitaille goals, which coupled with assists on goals by Rob Blake and Olli Jokinen, gave him a five-point game.

The Ducks (1-2) took a 2-0 lead, and then it was Robitaille’s turn. He took a feed from Steve Duchesne to cut the deficit in half, and scored again, at 10:46 on another pass from Duchesne, to tie the score, 2-2.

The lead came at 11:48 on a power-play goal by Blake, who took a pass from Duchesne, who had gotten the puck from Robitaille.

Robitaille finished his hat trick at 16:36 of the third period, taking a pass from Jokinen on a three-on-two rush.