Looking for Edge at Home

The road was fair, not as bad as some expected, but not as good as it could have been.

The Kings (2-1-0-0) now have their longest home stand of the season, seven games in all, starting Wednesday with their Staples Center opener against the Ottawa Senators, a team picked by many to win the Stanley Cup.

The season is only a few games old, but the Kings and Senators already have something in common -- they each lost to the Detroit Red Wings, 3-2, on late goals.

Still, the Kings, who have five players on injured reserve, were happy to snare victories in Pittsburgh and Chicago by a combined 7-2 score.

“Four points out of six is pretty darn good, especially to start the season,” said right wing Trent Klatt, who has three goals in three games. “Should be a pretty good high going into Wednesday night.”

Ottawa (1-0-0-1) lost to the Red Wings on Saturday on Nicklas Lidstrom’s goal 2:52 into overtime.

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Before Monday’s games, there was an unusual name among the NHL scoring leaders, mixed in with Jaromir Jagr, Paul Kariya and Joe Sakic: Klatt.

Klatt also has an assist, tying him with five other players atop the NHL scoring list with four points. A new gig for Klatt, 32, who is better known for his physical presence than his scoring flair?

“Nah, I’m too far into my career to fool anyone now,” he said.

King right wing Ziggy Palffy also has four points.

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King center Esa Pirnes achieved a rarity against Chicago, receiving a penalty shot for a second consecutive game. The outcome of the shot against Chicago was the same against Pittsburgh: Pirnes was stopped.

“I’m waiting for the third one now,” he said, smiling. “I tried to go five-hole, but [Chicago goaltender Jocelyn Thibault] covered pretty well. Next time I’ll be ready.”