Benching Is Another First for Chistov

Mighty Duck rookie forward Stanislav Chistov, who put his name into the NHL record book a week ago, took a seat Wednesday against the Kings as a healthy scratch.

Chistov has a goal and four points in the season opener against St. Louis last Thursday, the most points in an NHL debut since 1977.

But Coach Mike Babcock has become concerned about Chistov’s play.

“He has to realize there is a system,” Babcock said.

Chistov, 19, played only 10 games for Avangard Omsk in a Russian league last season.

Dan Bylsma, a healthy scratch against Detroit on Sunday, returned to the lineup.

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The Ducks’ game against Colorado on Sunday has been moved to 1 p.m. to avoid a conflict with Game 2 of the World Series, which will be at Edison Field at 5.

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The Ducks have made buyout offers to Denny Lambert and German Titov, General Manager Bryan Murray said.

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Joffrey Lupul, the Ducks’ top draft pick in June, had five points in his first game for Medicine Hat, his junior team.

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Playing smart and not taking unnecessary fighting penalties are important goals for Coach Andy Murray, who believes the Kings struggled in those areas last season.

“There is a time to fight and there is a time not to fight, and it’s not a good time to do so when you’re leading,” Murray said. “When you have momentum on your side, there’s no need to fight.”

Before Wednesday’s game against the Ducks, the Kings had only one fighting major, but that changed less than 10 seconds into the first period when Adam Deadmarsh squared off with rookie defenseman Kurt Sauer.

“I never tell the guys not to fight but I do tell them to use their heads,” Murray said. “That’s one area where Lappy [Ian Laperriere] has improved so much.”

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The Kings will play just four of their next 18 games at Staples Center. In the competitive Western Conference, Murray understands that he’ll need all his players sound.

That’s one reason why winger Ziggy Palffy did not play Wednesday against the Ducks because the Kings want to rest his nagging groin injury. “You just want to focus on the next game,” Murray said. “If you try to look down the road in this league, you will get run over.”

Jaroslav Bednar skated in Palffy’s spot on the No. 1 line.

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Lonnie White

TONIGHT

Kings vs. Colorado, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KSPN (1110).

Records -- Kings 3-0-0-0, Avalanche 0-1-1-0.

Record vs. Avalanche (2001-02) -- 2-2-0-0.

Update -- The Avalanche has only two goals in two games and is one for 15 on the power play. Patrick Roy has allowed three goals. Colorado knocked the Kings out of the playoffs in seven-game series the last two seasons.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.