Brown Fitting In Just Fine

The evolution of Dustin Brown continued Tuesday night, with another pest-like performance.

This has become standard operating procedure for the forward. He began introducing himself around the NHL during the Kings’ exhibition games but has proved to be more than a training-camp flash so far.

Brown provided a key goal and a rash of physical play in a 3-1 Kings’ victory over Edmonton at Staples Center on Tuesday. His goal broke a 1-1 tie, his hitting helped break the Oilers’ will.

It was part of a supporting-cast-evening for the Kings, as none of their marquee names basked in the spotlight. Instead, Joe Corvo got the Kings’ scoring started, Eric Belanger stretched the lead and Jason LaBarbera made another case for tag-team goaltending, stopping 23 of 24 shots.

But it was Brown’s play that tilted a close game the Kings’ way in the second period. He first picked out the biggest name, knocking Edmonton defenseman Chris Pronger to the ice, and then picked up his second goal of the season, again making Pronger the straight man.

“Dustin has a style of play that is well received by his teammates and not so well received by the guys on the other side,” King Coach Andy Murray said.

“He is probably having the time of his life right now. He’s a professional hockey player who is getting a chance to show what he can do. He then goes home and plays his video games. At least, that’s what I like to think he’s doing.”

Said Brown: “Well, not every night.”

Brown got a taste of the NHL in 2003-04, playing in 31 games for the injury-ravaged Kings. He spent the lockout with minor league Manchester, where he continued to develop, scoring 29 goals.

“I definitely feel different this season,” Brown said. “My confidence is higher. You start believing in yourself, that you can play with these guys.”

Brown showed that with his actions, particularly in kicking sand on Pronger. He dumped the All-Star defenseman near the Edmonton goal with a check and, seconds later, took a little lip from Pronger.

“He didn’t like that too much, at least I think that is what he was trying to say to me,” Brown said. “He doesn’t like to be hit. That’s what I do.”

Brown answered by swiping the puck off Pronger’s stick and then slid toward the goal line before banking a shot off the skate of goaltender Ty Conklin. That broke a 1-1 tie 16:37 into the second period and the Kings never looked back.

Belanger provided some breathing room, while making the Oilers seem out of breath. He beat two Edmonton defenders to the net and was in perfect position to knock in a rebound off a Sean Avery shot for a 3-1 lead 1:16 into the third period.

“Eric is a guy who kills penalties for us and gives us energy, but he is capable of that kind of offense on a nightly basis,” Murray said.

The Kings outshot the Oilers, 35-24, but things were not that easy. They survived a five-on-three Oiler power play in the second period. The Kings also needed quality saves from LaBarbera, who is battling with Mathieu Garon for the No. 1 goaltender spot. His best was on a two-man breakaway by the Oilers, where he stoned Raffi Torres.

The Kings took the lead, cashing in after Edmonton’s Marc-Andre Bergeron flipped a weak clearing try along the boards. Luc Robitaille corralled the puck, then fed Corvo, who had slipped down the slot. His one-timer gave the Kings a 1-0 lead 13:33 into the game.

Bergeron tied the score late in the period, when he slipped a wrist shot between LaBarbera’s right leg and the post.