Blake Has Reason for Durability

Defenseman Rob Blake, who has had more than his share of injuries the last four years, is the only King to have played in all 67 games this season, and he credits his improved workout habits for his durability.

“I used to work out and things but during the season, I really didn’t do a lot,” said Blake, who has played in 82 consecutive games dating to last season. “I kind of relied on talent and playing it out. But I noticed that I was getting injured more when I would get fatigued. I was playing a lot more minutes than I did when I was younger. . . . I realized that you’re going to have injuries if you don’t maintain [your workouts] during the season.”

Blake leads NHL defensemen with 19 goals and needs only one more to tie his career high, set during the 1993-94 season. Blake has also been selected by the local media as the team’s Masterton Trophy candidate. If he wins the award, given to the player who displays the most perseverance and dedication, he will become the fourth King winner, joining Bob Bourne, Butch Goring and Dave Taylor, now the Kings’ general manager.