Attendance Down Despite Results

There are several theories why the surging Kings, 6-2-1 in their last nine games, have not attracted more fans at the Forum. From too many games in too short a time span to the team’s recent history of fading after strong season starts, excuses have been plentiful.

But even with two announced sellouts of 16,005, the Kings are averaging only 12,060 for their 10 home games.

“We’re not going to get our fans all the way back until [we reach] the playoffs,” said Rob Blake, who played on the Kings’ last playoff team in 1993. “It took four years for us to [drop] to this level, and it’s going to take more than 20 games to get them back.”

Coach Larry Robinson says the Kings realize that they’ve started well before--10-5-5 two seasons ago--but slipped as the season progressed. But he adds that this team approaches games differently.

“We’re being competitive, we’re playing hard. . . . We just have to win the fans over,” Robinson said of his 9-7-4 team. “The unfortunate thing is that the fans are the ones losing. We’ve been playing pretty good, and it’s been pretty exciting.”

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Winger Brad Smyth was traded to the New York Rangers for a draft choice. Smyth’s days with the Kings appeared numbered because of the recent signing of Russ Courtnall.

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Center Ray Ferraro said he is ready to play in his first game since suffering torn cartilage in his left knee Oct. 5. Robinson said he will make a game-time decision.

TONIGHT

vs.

Dallas

* 7:30

* Channel 9

Site--Forum.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Kings 9-7-4; Stars 10-6-4.

Record vs. Stars (1996-97)--0-3-1.

Update--Jozef Stumpel leads the Kings with 23 points and has 10 in his last eight games. Luc Robitaille has 10 goals and 10 assists, and Yanic Perreault has 14 goals and 18 points. The Kings have not defeated Dallas in eight games. The Stars are led by Mike Modano, who has nine goals and 23 points.