Frolov Searches for Next Level

The enigma that Alexander Frolov has been through three NHL seasons with the Kings is now the concern of Coach Marc Crawford.

Crawford, like those before him, sees the multiple offensive skills that Frolov displays, though not always consistently. Crawford inherits the chore of nudging Frolov to reach the cathedral-like ceiling on his potential.

“I think he’s a good player, first and foremost let’s start with that,” Crawford said. “ ... We want him to pick up his game, with a little determination to get into the areas where he can use those great skills. We not only expect him to be a top player, we need him to be a top player.”

That need is apparent. The Kings entered training camp with no one who has scored more than 26 goals in an NHL season. So it seems a perfect time for Frolov to mature into the monster goal-scorer the Kings have envisioned since drafting him in the first round in 2000.

“I think we have a couple guys who can score 30 or more goals,” said Frolov, 24. “I think I’m capable of doing that if I do the things that are necessary.”

Frolov did some of those things Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche. He joined a scrum in front of the goal crease and knocked the puck into the net for a tying goal in what would be a 3-2 Kings’ victory.

Those types of goals are rare for Frolov. He has scored 59 goals in three seasons, but usually with glitz, not grit.

“He paid the price and got the payoff,” Crawford.

Whether there will be more of those goals is to be seen. But Frolov has always teased and tantalized. Last season, Frolov had 13 goals through the team’s first 24 games and eight in the last 58.

“I know I need to shoot more,” Frolov said. “I need to get in front of the net. I need to back check. I have to try to work a little harder.”

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Eric Belanger’s shootout goal gave the Kings a 5-4 victory over the Ducks on Monday at Staples Center. After Belanger scored, goaltender Mathieu Garon stopped a Stanislav Chistov try for the victory.

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Life in the NHL is something that Ryan Shannon could get used to. Just ask him.

“Chartered flights and filet mignon on the plane,” said Shannon, savoring the memory.

The meals are a little different on bus trips between Portland, Maine and Lowell, N.H.

“More like Quizno’s and Subway,” the center said.

Judging by his training camp, Shannon may soon have another taste of the good life. The diminutive forward is making a strong case for a Ducks roster spot with five points in four exhibition games.

It’s far different from a year ago when the 23-year-old failed to make it to camp.

Shannon took full advantage of the crackdown on obstruction and used his speed and playmaking ability to score 27 goals and 59 assists in 71 games with Portland, the Ducks’ minor-league affiliate.

The 86 points led the Pirates and were second in the American Hockey League among rookies.

“I’d say I found myself last year and now I just need to perform,” he said.

Shannon isn’t the only camp hopeful who has impressed. Center Tim Brent scored in the second period for his fourth goal in three nights. He had two goals Saturday against San Jose and scored Sunday against Vancouver.

“I would say they’ve earned an extended look,” Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle said of both players.

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After four games in four days, the Ducks are expected to make several roster cuts today with no foreseen surprises.... The Kings’ Brian Willsie sat out practice because of a sore groin.

chris.foster@latimes.com

eric.stephens@latimes.com