Kings Are Left Out Once Again

L.A. Times Archives

March 31, 1997 12 AM PT

From Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Kings were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoff picture for a fourth consecutive year Sunday after a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils before 15,099 at Continental Airlines Arena.

The loss, coupled with Chicago’s 3-2 victory over Buffalo, eliminated the Kings, who have won only one of their last nine games.

Kevin Stevens and Glen Murray scored for the Kings, who haven’t scored more than two goals in eight games.

“It was just ugly,” King center Ray Ferraro said. “We didn’t skate. We didn’t participate. If we don’t get involved in the game, they’re going to ram it down our throats. That’s pretty much what happened.”

The Kings had several good chances in the second period but were denied when goaltender Mike Dunham made a pad save on Jeff Shevalier’s shot in the opening seconds and Roman Vopat hit the post seven minutes later.

Zelepukin put in his own rebound at 1:10 of the third to make it 5-0. Stevens scored for the Kings off a goal-mouth scramble at 6:43. Murray knocked in the rebound of Jan Vopat’s point shot with 29.1 seconds remaining.

The Kings, the worst road team in the NHL, are winless in six consecutive road games (0-5-1).

Bill Guerin scored two goals for the Devils and needs only one more to reach 30 for the first time.

“If I don’t get to 30 now, it’s pretty sad,” Guerin said. “I’d like to get to 30. It would be a new step for me. I don’t want to stop there either.”

Rookie goaltender Mike Dunham made 22 saves to win.