They Are Simply Not Fast Enough Off the Mark

When Vancouver’s Pavel Bure scored from outside the left post 3:45 into the first period Monday night, it marked the 22nd time in 32 games that the Kings had failed to score first.

The Kings are 3-13-6 when they have given up the first goal, including Monday’s 7-0 loss. However, they are 9-1 when they have scored first, their only loss against Toronto on Dec. 6.

Monday’s loss was the Kings’ worst shutout defeat since they lost to the New York Islanders, 7-0, on Oct. 26, 1993.

“Because of the talent we have, this is the worst,” Coach Larry Robinson said. “We threw a total of just two checks the entire first period.

“We told the guys that we didn’t want to get three guys deep, especially playing against guys like Bure who are just looking to break out with a loose puck.”

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Matt Johnson, who leads the Kings in penalty minutes, tried his best to inspire the team in the second period when he battled Vancouver’s Gino Odjick.

Johnson received a double minor for slashing and instigating a fight. He also was penalized for fighting and given a 10-minute misconduct and a game misconduct. Odjick was penalized only for fighting.

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Two former Vancouver players were in the lineup against the Canucks, center Nathan LaFayette and right wing Russ Courtnall.