Rough Stuff Starts Early On For Kings
(from the Daily News)
By Matt McHale
Staff Writer
March 12, 2000 - The Kings didn't set a season-high for penalty minutes in the first period Saturday against the Calgary Flames. It only seemed that way.
After just 11 minutes, Ian Laperriere, Marko Tuomainen and even captain Rob Blake were issued five-minute fighting penalties.
Fighting is part of Laperriere's job. He is among the league leaders with 174 penalty minutes. But Tuomainen, who also plays on the Kings checking line, was overwhelmed by Rene Corbet.
Physical play, or the lack of it, has been an issue with the club this season. Laperriere has no shortage of fighting spirit, but he is just 6-foot-1, 200 pounds. Steve McKenna is 6-7, but the rest of his game isn't strong enough for everyday duty.
Although the Kings claim no moves are expected by Tuesday's trade deadline, a physical forward like Montreal's Shayne Corson and Atlanta's Kelly Buchberger has been on their wish list.
"We probably saw more fights tonight that we've had in the last month," Kings general manager Dave Taylor said. "You would like to have a physical player up front, but you really can't afford to have just a fighter for the playoffs. You can't afford to have him off the ice this time of year."
There has been a trend the past few seasons away from pure fighters, affectionately known as goons. Among the league's elite teams, St. Louis, New Jersey, Colorado and Florida do not employ classic tough guys.
Last month's slashing incident between former King Marty McSorley, now with Boston, and Vancouver's Donald Brashear brought public outcry against rough play. But fight videos played at arenas during games remain popular.
"It's a bit of a mixed message," Kings coach Andy Murray said. "But I think you'll see the league continue to move away from fighting. Skill players still sell the game."
There were 48 combined penalty minutes in the first period Saturday, 22 by the Kings. The season-high this season is 69 penalty minutes, set Dec. 30 in an 8-2 victory over Edmonton. In that game, the Oilers had 101. The Kings' season-low is four, done twice including Feb. 14 against Calgary.