Melrose Gets Stuck in Fan’s Doghouse

Tomas Sandstrom, Jimmy Carson, Shawn McEachern, Bob Kudelski. . . . How do you get into Barry Melrose’s doghouse? Easy, score a lot of goals. Want ice time? Play like Gary Shuchuk, who despite his enthusiasm couldn’t put the puck in a soccer net.

When Melrose joined the Kings, he was heralded as a minor league wizard and I can see why. With his doghouse tactics, constant line juggling and his tolerance of cheap penalties and lazy, undisciplined play, he has transformed a Stanley Cup finalist into a minor league team.

DANNY SMITH

Laurel Canyon