Blake Takes Matters Into His Own Hands

This season’s revised rules on play in front of the net is something that has given the Kings’ defense problems. After being burned for goals because they were too soft at times, defenseman Rob Blake took matters into his own hands in Saturday night’s 5-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

“I’m holding up guys as much as I can. . .if we’re going to get away with it, I’m going to do it,” said Blake, who had a goal and an assist. “One time, [Chicago center Alexei] Zhamnov was getting by me and I just grabbed him. It’s not right, but I’ll do it.”

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With a 10-12-3 record after two months, General Manager Sam McMaster is not ready to make wholesale changes through trades.

“We would like to get a goal-scorer and if we have a chance, also a top defenseman,” McMaster said before Saturday night’s loss. “But, that’s what every team is looking for. Nothing specific is going on.”