Lack of Offense a Concern

The numbers were damning, and so were the reasons.

The Kings were outshot, 34-18, in a 2-0 loss at Phoenix Saturday night. The fatigue that was the product of five exhibition games in eight days was a factor, as was no time off since training camp began on Sept. 13.

But, said Coach Larry Robinson, “We’ve still got a bunch of youngsters, and you’d think several would provide a little spark and jump because they’re going for a spot [on the King roster].

“But we had eight shots after two periods [at Phoenix on Saturday]. There’s no rhyme or reason for that.”

Though Robinson tends to dismiss early exhibition games as laboratories on ice, many of the experiments are over. The Kings are 2-2-1 through their first five exhibitions, and the final four, beginning tonight at the Pond against the Mighty Ducks, signal a time to turn up the wick toward the season opener, Oct. 10.

“Last year, when we were 6-1-0 in exhibitions, every game the guys were jumping,” said Robinson, who added that he did not intend to push the point in the locker room because “if you’re ranting and raving this time of year, it’s going to be a long season.”

“Now, it looks like we’re not wanting to prove that we’re a better team,” Robinson said.

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Three players were sent to the minor leagues Sunday.

Right winger Pavel Rosa, a 21-year-old who played in only three games last season--all in the minors--after suffering a concussion against Colorado, was sent to Long Beach of the IHL. He had scored two goals in exhibitions and had led the Kings with 14 shots through the first four games, but had only one shot Friday night against the Coyotes and none Saturday at Phoenix.

Centerman Donald MacLean, 21, was sent to Springfield, Ohio, of the AHL after struggling with consistency during camp. He scored in the first exhibition, but drew a lecture from Robinson for his effort on Thursday.

Goalie Frederic Chabot, 30, was returned to Houston of the IHL after falling victim to a numbers game. His days as a King were numbered when they signed backup goalie Jamie Storr on Thursday.