Blake Wants a Passing Grade

Rookie Jason Blake is still learning to play wing in the NHL, after playing center for 29 games, and the transition is difficult.

“I was nervous at first,” said Blake, who has replaced injured Donald Audette and moved onto a line with center Bryan Smolinski and winger Glen Murray.

“Those are two outstanding players. . . . I’m in a good situation.”

How long he stays there “is up to Jason,” Coach Andy Murray said. “He sometimes held the puck too long [as a center] at first, but he can’t do it on that line or he’ll hear about it.”

Blake knows that.

“I also know that I have to give it up to get it back,” he said. “And I know that if I give it up and get open, I’ll get it back.”

He’s getting a different view of Smolinski. Earlier in the season, when Blake was scratched, he spent time watching Smolinski for tips on how to play center. Smolinski leads the Kings with 29 assists, a skill Blake is learning. He had an assist on Bob Corkum’s goal Thursday night at Nashville.

Audette is due to rejoin the team next week, but where he rejoins it is uncertain.

Blake has no illusions.

“My job is filling Donald’s shoes,” he said.

His job, actually, is filling them so well that Audette needs some new shoes.

*

Stephane Fiset will start in goal for the Kings for the second consecutive game and the third time in their last four, and the reason is simple.

“He’s won two of his last three games,” Murray said.

TONIGHT

at Toronto, 4 PST

* Site--Air Canada Centre, Toronto.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 21-20-7-3, Maple Leafs 28-17-6-3.

* Record vs. Maple Leafs (1998-99)--0-1.

* Update--Toronto got a power-play goal from Steve Thomas with a minute to play Thursday night and beat the Rangers, 4-3, at New York for the first time since Dec. 19, 1990. The Maple Leafs will be playing their fifth game in eight nights and goalie Curtis Joseph should be ready after resting in New York. Joseph has played 40 of Toronto’s 51 games and has a 2.35 goals-against average.