Potvin Is the Equalizer in Short-Handed Situations

So much of the Kings’ surge from also-rans to eighth place in the Western Conference has been laid at goalie Felix Potvin’s skates. But his presence is most evident during the opponent’s power play.

The Kings have killed 24 consecutive penalties in the last five games. Since Potvin’s first game Feb. 20, the Kings have killed 60 of 66 penalties, an astounding 91%. This from a team that has wallowed near the bottom all season.

What are the Kings doing now?

“You mean other than putting Felix Potvin in the net?” Coach Andy Murray said.

Potvin has been reborn since he was acquired Feb. 15 from the Vancouver Canucks. He is 9-2-2 with a 1.90 goals-against average.

He has made the penalty-killing units’ job easier. But even with the recent run, the Kings rank ahead of only four teams--the Canucks, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers and Atlanta Thrashers--in penalty killing at 81%.

“Your No. 1 penalty killer is still your goalie,” forward Kelly Buchberger said. “The biggest thing is he doesn’t leave rebounds. Guys always try to crash the net on the power play to get those rebounds.”

With Potvin, those opportunities have been limited.

“He rarely gives up the second shot,” Murray said. “When he does, he is in position to stop that too.”

Not all the recent success can be attributed to Potvin. Right wing Adam Deadmarsh and defenseman Aaron Miller, both acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in the Rob Blake deal, have made the Kings tougher.

“We’re doing a lot better job of clearing the puck,” Buchberger said. “We’re using a lot more guys to kill penalties now. So no one wears out. [Assistant coach] Mark Hardy really prepares us well.”

And?

“Obviously the way Felix has been playing adds to it,” Buchberger said.

*

Murray said that center Jozef Stumpel, sidelined since March 4 because of a broken rib, will probably play Saturday against the Mighty Ducks.

The Kings will be without Scott Thomas tonight. He suffered a mild concussion Monday when he was hit by Jeremy Roenick of the Phoenix Coyotes. The team recalled Marko Tuomainen from Lowell, its minor-league affiliate.

TONIGHT

vs. Edmonton, 7:30 p.m.

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KSPN (110).

* Records--Kings 34-27-10-1; Edmonton 35-25-10-3.

* Record vs. Oilers--1-2.

* Update--A victory moves the Kings, who are 5-0-1 in their last six games, within two points of the seventh-place Oilers. Phoenix plays Edmonton on Saturday. “That means this could be a four-point game for us,” Murray said. The Kings lost their two most recent games against the Oilers and were outscored, 11-3. Edmonton is 9-1-1-1 in its last 12 games. Oiler goalie Tommy Salo, who will start tonight, is tied for fourth in the NHL with 32 victories.

* Tickets--(888) 546-4752.