More of the Same for Blake

If recent history holds true, former King and current Colorado defenseman Rob Blake will hear more than his share of boos from Los Angeles fans in tonight’s Game 3 at Staples Center.

It has happened every time Blake has played his former team on the road and he doesn’t expect King fans to let up now.

“They are great fans. They supported me 100% when I was there,” said Blake, who already has made his presence known in the series with a team-high 15 hits and six blocked shots in the first two games. “I don’t expect it to be any different than what I’ve got in the last year.”

The rough treatment he received from the Kings may have bothered Blake at first, but not anymore. It helps that last year he went on to win a Stanley Cup championship with Colorado.

“I understand how loyal their fans are.... They are loyal to their teams and they should be,” Blake said.

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In giving up nine goals in the first two games of the series, the Kings haven’t fared too well with the play being so wide open. At times, goaltender Felix Potvin (who has faced 71 shots in two games) looks as if he’s facing shots in a full-speed layup drill.

“It’s not been by design,” defenseman Aaron Miller said. “It’s been because of mistakes of ours. We get guys caught down low and then end up with a 3-on-2.”

Another problem for the Kings has been Colorado’s ability to beat Potvin once they get there. During the regular season, that wasn’t the case as Potvin gave up only 13 goals in four games.

Colorado captain Joe Sakic said it’s because the Avalanche know how to beat the King goalie.

“With Felix, we know he’s really good covering the ice,” Sakic said. “So you’re not going to beat him too often down low. So you have to try and get your shots up on him.”

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With a 2-0 lead, the Avalanche players are happy to play consecutive games over the next two nights.

“It’s nice because we don’t have that day off and that’s usually your longest day when you’re on the road,” Sakic said.