Second Line Doing Its Share

About three weeks ago, the Kings had one line scoring and another under scrutiny because it couldn’t.

How fast things change.

The second line--Donald Audette, Bryan Smolinski and Glen Murray--has outscored the first--Ziggy Palffy, Luc Robitaille and Jozef Stumpel--since the first five games and largely without the benefit of power-play exposure.

Sure, the second unit gets power-play time, but only after the first has exhausted its chance, and, until the last couple of games, the first line gained much of its scoring advantage with the extra man.

“I think we have more five-on-five goals than they do,” Audette said.

Over the past seven games, the second line has 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points; the first has five goals, 14 assists, 19 points.

Over the season’s first 12 games, seven of the first line’s 15 goals have come on the power play, only two of the second’s 13 goals.

After the first five games, the first had 22 points and the second was pointless.

“I thought [the Smolinski line] was terrific [during the just-completed home stand],” said Coach Andy Murray, who has occasionally chided the first line for its work ethic.

The reasons for the Smolinski line surge are twofold: (1) Smolinski, Murray and Audette practiced together from the beginning of training camp, but all three had problems--medical and otherwise--during exhibition games that prevented them from operating as a unit; and (2) Smolinski’s adjustment with the Kings has taken hold and his game reflects it.

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Fourth-line center Jason Blake, who is struggling with playing time at an average of about 9:45 per game, was delighted Thursday night when he found himself on the power play for a few seconds. It was because Murray was moved to the point, where he teamed with Rob Blake while Fran Kaberle got a brief rest. When Kaberle was ready, he went onto the ice, and the first line went with him, sending Jason Blake back to spectator status.

TONIGHT

at Chicago, 5 PDT

* Site--United Center.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 7-3-2, Blackhawks 2-4-4.

* Record vs. Blackhawks (1998-99)--4-0.

* Update--Chicago goalie Jocelyn Thibault beat the Canadiens, 1-0, at Montreal on Wednesday, though the Blackhawks were outshot, 17-4, in the third period. Chicago has blown four third-period leads. The Kings plan to start Stephane Fiset in goal, though Jamie Storr was 3-0 against Chicago last season with an 0.67 goals-against average.