Crawford hit with claims as Kings lose

The Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore legal case found its way here Wednesday night, surfacing not long after the Coyotes’ 4-1 victory against the Kings, suddenly putting Kings Coach Marc Crawford front and center in relation to the 2004 incident.

The CBC’s “The National,” suggested the on-ice attack -- which has for all intent and purposes ended Moore’s career, causing him to suffer a broken neck and concussion -- might have been ordered by Crawford, then the Canucks coach, according to court documents.

Crawford, for his part, wouldn’t address the claims after the game, saying his focus is on the Kings.

The allegation came in a statement of claim by Moore’s lawyer, which was obtained by the television program.

Not only is there the statement of claim, filed by Moore’s lawyer in Ontario, but an accompanying document. Crawford was said to have pointed to Moore’s name and number between periods in the dressing room during the game in question between Vancouver and Colorado, on March 8, 2004, and said, “ . . . [Moore] must pay the price,” according to legal papers.

Additionally, Moore’s lawyer claimed in an accompanying document that Bertuzzi was the one who disclosed Crawford’s statement, under oath, and it was corroborated by current Canucks senior vice president-general manager Dave Nonis.

Nonis at the time of the incident was the team’s director of hockey operations, working for then-general manager Brian Burke, and his claim came under oath, Moore’s lawyer said.

Burke, now the Ducks’ general manager, was instrumental in bringing Bertuzzi to Anaheim in the summer.

Crawford, whose team has won twice in 11 games, was asked about the matter following a third straight loss to the Coyotes. The Kings goal came from Michael Cammalleri on the power play, his 13th of the season and first after an eight-game drought. Coyotes rookie forward Peter Mueller figured in three of the four goals, scoring once and added two assists.

“I don’t think this is the forum to be talking about that,” Crawford said of the Bertuzzi-Moore incident. “We’ve got enough of our own issues here with the Los Angeles Kings.

“Those are the things I’m concerned about. I’m not concerned about anything that’s said otherwise. This isn’t the forum.”

He walked back into the dressing room area in the middle of a question about the specific allegation from legal papers.

Moore’s civil case started in February when he filed suit against Bertuzzi, the Canucks, and their parent company, seeking $18 million in lost wages, aggravated damages and punitive damages. The Canadian Press reported Moore’s side is planning to file an amended claim, pushing it to $38 million.

Bertuzzi was charged with assault, entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to probation and community service. The NHL suspended him for 17 months.

Bertuzzi had even less to say about the CBC story than Crawford after the Ducks game Wednesday night against the Sabres.

“Anybody else have a question?” he asked, before walking away from reporters.

Times staff writer Eric Stephens contributed to this report.

TONIGHT

vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7:30, FSN West

Radio -- 1150.

Site -- Staples Center.

Records -- Kings 10-15-2, Sabres 12-11-1.

Record vs. Sabres (2005-06) -- 0-1.

lisa.dillman@latimes.com