Lombardi checks out his junior achievers

Caught in the throes of their longest losing streak in four seasons and owners of the worst record in the NHL, the Kings’ front office is looking down the road -- all the way to the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic.

General Manager Dean Lombardi is at the world’s premier junior tournament, which runs Dec. 26 through Jan. 5, evaluating some of the Kings’ top young prospects, Coach Marc Crawford said.

So far, Lombardi must like what he has seen.

Jonathan Bernier, the Kings’ top draft pick in 2006, stopped 44 shots in goal for Canada in a 3-0 first-round victory Wednesday against the Czech Republic. He’ll make his next start today against Sweden.

“Bernier was the star of the game, so I’m sure everybody is pleased about that,� Crawford said. “One thing we do have is a good group of prospects.�

Bernier, a 19-year-old from Quebec, started the season with the Kings and gave up 16 goals in four games. In his NHL debut, he led Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory over the Ducks in London.

Also competing for Canada at the world juniors is defenseman Thomas Hickey, 18, the Kings’ top draft pick in June, and right wing Wayne Simmonds, 19, a second-round pick this year. Another forward and second-round selection is Oscar Moller, 18, who is playing for Sweden.

Lombardi isn’t limiting his attention to his own players. If the Kings end up trading for prospects, he’ll have a better idea who’s out there.

“This world junior tournament is the best tournament because you see every team’s best prospects play against every other team’s best prospects, with national pride also in the balance,�’ Crawford said.

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The Kings sent right winger John Zeiler to their AHL affiliate in Manchester, N.H., and recalled defenseman Jon Klemm.

The Kings hope Zeiler’s demotion will give him more opportunities to handle the puck and build confidence in his offensive abilities. He had only one assist in 34 games, averaging about 8 1/2 minutes a game.

“We’ve been really pleased with the energy he has given us and the hits that he’s given us, but it pretty much stopped there,� Crawford said. “There’s more of a player there.�

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Kevin Dallman was still wearing a walking boot Friday after breaking his foot last weekend against Nashville, but he had not been put on injured reserve. Fellow defenseman Brad Stuart, who has been bothered by a sore foot, returned to practice Friday and appears ready to play.

Michael Cammalleri, the team’s second-leading scorer, did not practice because of a rib injury suffered against Nashville but is making the trip. Crawford continued to list him as doubtful.

“I’ll do whatever I can to try to get in the lineup,� Cammalleri said. “We’ll see what tomorrow morning brings. . . . I’ve never had this before.�

TODAY

at Colorado, noon PST, FSN West

Site -- Pepsi Center

Records -- Kings 12-24-2; Avalanche 21-14-2

Record vs. Avalanche -- 0-2

Update -- Avalanche captain Joe Sakic underwent hernia surgery Friday and will be sidelined at least eight weeks. Sakic hasn’t played since Nov. 30.

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