Some Bad Memories Return

The problems that plagued the Kings early in the season returned in Saturday night’s 5-4 loss to the New York Rangers.

After falling behind, 2-0, early in the second period, the Kings hurt themselves every time they tried to make a comeback by giving up goals to the Rangers.

“They scored some big goals at ideal times,” King winger Craig Johnson said. “Even though the Rangers played [Friday], they showed great speed.”

The Kings had trouble staying focused at the start of the season when they lost one one-goal game after another. But in going 7-3-4 in December, the Kings kept many of those same mistakes under control.

That wasn’t the case against the Rangers, who scored a short-handed goal and kept the Kings scoreless in seven power-play opportunities.

“Some of it was our fault because we allowed them to control the neutral zone,” Johnson said. “They definitely took advantage.”

Two of the Kings’ top prospects have gotten off to impressive starts at the World Junior Championships at the Czech Republic. Canadians Mike Cammalleri, who has four goals and eight points, and Jared Aulin, who has seven points, are at the top of the scoring leaders.

The Rangers are excited about young goaltender Daniel Blackburn.

“His positioning is much better than most 18-year-olds playing in goal,” Coach Ron Low said about Blackburn, who made 40 saves in New York’s 5-3 victory at San Jose on Friday. “Most 18-year-olds are playing in juniors. He’s been good. He doesn’t get beat often to his glove side except when he’s screened. He has pretty good control. He doesn’t cheat much. He makes you make a play.”