Storr Makes the Going Tough for Opponents

Jamie Storr has settled in, starting 10 of the last 11 Kings’ games in goal--the lone miss because of injury--and he has given up only 20 goals in that time.

He also is developing a flair that many observers are enjoying, unless they are wearing the opposition’s sweater. The edge has always been there.

“I respect everybody,” Storr said. “But you have to establish yourself.”

San Jose’s Vincent Damphousse learned that a week ago when Storr tripped him with his goalie stick. Damphousse’s former Montreal teammate Shayne Corson could have told him. Corson came away with a whack across the back in a game earlier this season.

That goalie stick is a big one.

Damphousse’s transgression was a big mouth.

“He was yapping at me, trying to get me off my game, after I made a glove save,” Storr said. “I remember watching him in the All-Star game when I was a kid. He was a hero of mine.”

Corson’s transgression was territorial. With the new crease rules that allow opponents to hold a convention in the blue paint in front of the goal, Storr has become like other goalies, increasingly adept at reminding trespassers that the net already has a tenant.

A stick across the legs or--in Corson’s case--a whack across the back can help do that.

“You don’t want to get a penalty,” said Storr, who hasn’t yet. “That’s the last thing you want to do.”

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The discrepancy between the Kings’ special-teams’ efficiency at home and on the road makes it clear they haven’t put their best foot forward at Staples Center.

They are nine for 65 on power plays at home, a miserable 13.8% success rate, but a more reasonable 12 for 50 (24%) in 14 road games on the road.

The Kings have killed 44 of 57 penalties at home, a less-than-stellar 77.2% and one that averages giving up a power-play goal in every one of their 13 home games.

They are a 57 of 64, or 89.1% on the road.