Smolinski Has New Outlook on Game

The problem for Bryan Smolinski has been thinking like a winger after he has been a center his entire career.

“Most of the time it’s OK, but every once in a while I’ll look at Stumpy and think about where I’m supposed to be,” said Smolinski, now the left wing on the line with Jozef Stumpel and Ziggy Palffy.

The move was made “to give the line a defensive conscience,” Coach Andy Murray said. “Besides, in our system, you’re only a winger or a center during the faceoff.”

Palffy, the NHL’s leading scorer and point-producer, and Stumpel are by nature offensive players, though they certainly have their defensive moments. To make the unit complete, Smolinski was brought over from centering the fourth line to be what Murray calls a “power forward.”

His job is to dig out pucks in corners, screen goalies and get in opposing forwards’ faces as part of the forecheck. It’s not a glamorous role, but it does have its fringe benefits, such as the three goals and three assists in nine games Smolinski has amassed since moving into the position.

TONIGHT at Edmonton, 7

* Site--Skyreach Centre.

* Radio--KSPN (1110).

* Records--Kings 13-9-6, Oilers 15-11-4.

* Record vs. Oilers--(1999-2000) 1-2-1.

* Update--Edmonton ended a three-game winless streak (0-2-1) with a 4-0 victory over Nashville on Wednesday, behind, as usual, goalie Tommy Salo. He has four shutouts in the Oilers’ last eight home games and leads NHL goalies in appearances, having played 27 of 30 games. King winger Glen Murray said he would skate to test his knee Monday.