Two Sticks Not Better Than One

King defenseman Jaroslav Modry was penalized for using an illegal stick in Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, undoubtedly evoking painful memories for King fans of Marty McSorley’s series-turning infraction for the same offense in the 1993 Stanley Cup finals.

But this was far less sinister.

When goaltender Felix Potvin lost control of his stick in the first period, Modry retrieved it for him. Just as he was handing it back to him, however, Mats Sundin of the Maple Leafs unleashed a shot that Modry blocked with his foot.

Because he had two sticks in his possession at the time, his and Potvin’s, Modry was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct, use of an illegal stick.

“As I was holding the stick, [Potvin] was yelling, ‘It’s up, it’s up,”’ Modry said Wednesday. “So I turned around and I saw Sundin winding up to put the puck on net ... and I saw the puck coming and I just blocked it with my foot....

“I didn’t think blocking the shot was really getting involved with the play, but I guess it is. It’s a strange thing. I never saw that before.”

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Opposing views: While the Kings’ victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Maple Leafs was lauded by the Kings as one of their best efforts of the season, it was greeted with less enthusiasm in Toronto. “LEAFS BARF ONE UP,” screamed the Wednesday morning headline in the Toronto Sun.

TONIGHT

At Ottawa, 4 PST

Fox Sports Net

Site--Corel Centre.

Radio--KSPN (1110).

Records--Kings 13-14-5-2, Senators 17-11-4-0.

Record vs. Senators (2000-01)--1-0.

Update--The Senators, 5-1 winners over the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night at Raleigh, N.C., have lost only two of their last 13 home games.