Jason Blake Hopes His Work Will Pay Off

It didn’t figure to be this way.

Jason Blake became an NHL winger last season, then spent the summer playing 20-25 minutes a game for the U.S. team in the World Championships in Russia.

He worked out all summer, reported to King training camp with optimism and in the best condition of his life, played most of the exhibition games, then started the season with the “energy line,” centered by an old college rival, Steve Reinprecht, and including veteran winger Nelson Emerson.

Life was good.

Then Stu Grimson healed.

Grimson had cut his hand on Scott Parker’s face during an exhibition-game fight at Denver, but when his hand was better, the Kings decided they needed his muscle in the lineup.

Blake became a scratch.

A frequent one.

“It’s hard,” said Blake, who subbed for injured Glen Murray as the second-line right winger Monday, skating with Reinprecht and Luc Robitaille. “I figured I’d come here [this season], play 12-15 minutes a game and get my chance. When you’re scratched, you don’t feel a part of the team. One game, two games, then up to four games and you feel like you’re out of shape.

“I go home and do the Stairmaster, even after we practice.”

The adjustment has been tough on the body, tougher on the ego. In two seasons, Blake has gone from being a puck-dominating college center, to being one asked to pass, to being a winger, to being a frequent scratch.

He continues to work.

“His work ethic brings a lot to this club,” Coach Andy Murray said.

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Murray’s injury, suffered with 1:30 to play in the opening period of Saturday’s 6-4 win over Colorado, was found to be a strained right thigh muscle. He hurt it when his body was twisted after he was tripped by Martin Skoula’s stick.

Murray is out indefinitely.

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Blake won’t be allowed to get comfortable, because the Kings are expected to recall Brad Chartrand from Lowell.

Chartrand, who has seven goals and 19 points in 17 games with Lowell of the AHL, can play either wing or center. He had six goals and 12 points in 50 games with the Kings last season.