Kuznetsov Is Playing Catch-Up

Defenseman Maxim Kuznetsov, delayed in Russia for more than two months because of visa problems, continues to work his way into game shape after joining the team last week.

“He needs work,” Coach Andy Murray said. “He’s going to get lots of it. He missed training camp and he’s got to get quicker, get better endurance. He’s got to do everything.”

Kuznetsov is expected to take a fitness test Monday or Tuesday that includes bench press, vertical jump and grip strength.

Kuznetsov played 53 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season before being traded to the Kings in March as part of the Mathieu Schneider deal. Kuznetsov played three games with the Kings before a broken bone in his foot ended his season.

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St. Louis forward Keith Tkachuk received a three-game suspension Saturday and did not play against the Kings. Tkachuk will forfeit nearly $366,000 in salary for cross-checking San Jose defenseman Rob Davison in the neck Thursday.

Tkachuk was suspended for four games in February and has forfeited more than $850,000 in salary in 2003.

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The Kings will wear throwback jerseys from the 1980-81 season two more times. They wore purple jerseys Saturday and will wear gold jerseys Dec. 13 at St. Louis and Dec. 16 at home against Edmonton.

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Saturday’s loss dropped the Kings to 3-5-1-0 at home. They are 5-1-0-1 on the road.