Kings likely to go with seven defensemen again

Monday, 05.06.2013 / 2:25 PM

By Curtis Zupke - NHL.com Correspondent / Blues-Kings series blog

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LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Kings coach Darryl Sutter will appear to go with seven defensemen again and rotate wingers on the fourth line for Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Alec Martinez took part in the line rushes Monday with Rob Scuderi, while Jake Muzzin was with Slava Voynov. Drew Doughty skated with usual partner Robyn Regehr while Keaton Ellerby would remain in, largely as a penalty-killing force.

Jordan Nolan took rushes with the fourth line but stayed out with the extras.

Colin Fraser said the change was a welcome look for him and his line.

"I don't get to play with players like that very often, really," Fraser said. "Fourth-line guys are usually grind-it-out -- me, [Kyle Clifford], Nolie -- just hard-working, blue-collar guys. But to get a little skill like [Justin Williams] and [Jeff Carter] on the line is nice."

With goals at such a scarcity it would seem that any needless penalties could be particularly costly for either team. The Kings are probably the more guilty party, with too-many-men penalties in every game of this series.

"It was my fault," Sutter said. "I think we've had three in the series. Two were puck luck ones where the puck comes to the bench. What are you going to do?"

It didn't cost L.A. in the third period of Game 3, but of course the Kings know they need to be smarter.

"It's not a penalty you should be taking this time of year," Scuderi said. "That's for the players to figure out. Every once in a while there might be a snafu with who's up next, but for the most part you know who's going out next and it's up to you to call your guy and make sure you take your position."

Matt Greene did not skate. Jonathan Quick also did not take part in the morning on-ice portion, but is expected back in goal.

Dustin Brown – Anze Kopitar – Justin Williams

Dwight King – Mike Richards – Jeff Carter

Dustin Penner – Jarret Stoll – Trevor Lewis

Kyle Clifford – Colin Fraser

Robyn Regehr – Drew Doughty

Jake Muzzin – Slava Voynov

Rob Scuderi – Alec Martinez

Keaton Ellerby

Jonathan Quick

Jonathan Bernier

Scratched: Matt Greene, Brad Richardson, Jordan Nolan, Tyler Toffoli