Advertisement

Norstrom, Gleason Will Play

Share
Times Staff Writer

Even if the Kings could not boast perfect health, they at least could claim perfect attendance Wednesday.

Defenseman Mattias Norstrom, his jaw wired and wearing a facemask after being hit by a puck against the Mighty Ducks on Monday, went through the entire practice. So did defenseman Tim Gleason, absent since injuring his left knee against Edmonton last Thursday.

Even Jeremy Roenick, who was cleared to play tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes, was given a stick with a blade for the first time in a week.

Advertisement

Norstrom and Gleason are definite for tonight , Coach Andy Murray said, and Roenick, who has recovered from a broken finger, could play as well.

“We’ll see how he feels,” Murray said. “He looked good in practice, making passes, scoring goals.”

It was Norstrom, though, who made the rapid recovery. He lost one tooth and had four others pushed out of place after being hit by a puck in the second period Monday. He underwent oral surgery Tuesday to have the four teeth straightened and his jaw wired.

Norstrom has missed only 12 games because of injuries in the last seven-plus seasons.

As for this injury, Norstrom said, “It’s not really a fractured jaw, but it did knock some teeth back. I’ll have braces for a while.”

*

Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, the Kings’ parent company, met with the team before practice Wednesday.

“It was very positive,” Belanger said. “He told us we have had a great season so far. We had battled through a lot of injuries. He said we had the people here to get the job done.”

Advertisement

Leiweke said, “I like this team and I think we will have a good surge coming. Plus, we will add a piece or two. Today was a chance to catch up.”

The Kings, with their roster nearly intact, are about $3.5 million under the salary cap.

The Kings have lost nine of their last 12 games. They have also lost four of their last five against Pacific Division teams.

TONIGHT

at Phoenix, 6 PST

Site -- Glendale Arena.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Kings 30-21-4, Coyotes 26-25-3.

Record vs. Coyotes -- 3-1-1.

Update -- The Kings have given up 18 power-play goals in their last nine games and have slipped to 28th in the NHL in penalty killing.

Advertisement