In The Crease

The Kings' prospects are good, thanks to their scouting staff, led by director of amateur scouting Al Murray and director of player personnel Bill O'Flaherty. At the world junior championship in the Czech Republic, which ended last Friday, three Los Angeles draftees, all forwards, earned high marks from rival scouts: Mike Cammalleri of Canada, Alexander Frolov of Russia and Jens Karlsson of Sweden....

Speaking of the world junior tournament, one player who stood out the wrong way was Russia's Alexander Svitov, who was the Lightning's first pick (third overall) in last June's draft. The 6'3", 198-pound Svitov appalled scouts with his conduct. He spit in the face of Canada's Brian Sutherby during a game on Dec. 29, and a day later he repeatedly sucker punched Switzerland's Beat Forster while Forster was being held by two of Svitov's teammates. Off the ice Svitov started a less-than-playful snowball fight with members of the Canadian team outside the arena and was seen in the lobby of his team's hotel well past curfew one morning....

Two Panthers have seen their fortunes take a positive turn with Mike Keenan at the helm: forwards Peter Worrell and Olli Jokinen. The 6'6", 235-pound Worrell, who was brought to tears after hearing harsh criticism during a meeting with Keenan's predecessor, Duane Sutter, in November, has reasserted himself physically, while Jokinen, a bust who was the third selection in the 1997 draft, has begun fulfilling his promise, scoring three goals and five assists over a recent six-game span. Meanwhile, Florida defenseman Lance Pitlick is being showcased and may be dealt soon....

Some NHL coaches are starting to complain that despite the two-referee system, obstruction is again creeping into the game. Many think that the more talented players aren't getting a chance to show their skills.