Kings' long trip has different ramifications

Such are the opinions of the most veteran Kings players, as they prepare for an eight-game, 16-day trip, one of the longest of their careers.

"It's right up there, for sure," said Stuart, in his eighth NHL season and first with the Kings. "It's going to be a long haul, but I think the good thing is we're spending a lot of time in an area where we don't have to travel a whole lot."

The Kings, who will travel to the East and Midwest, will go three weeks between home games at Staples Center, which isn't such a bad thing, if you ask Stuart.

"Sometimes, it's good to get away from the pressure of playing at home," Stuart said. "Sometimes, you feel like you've got to do extra, or put on a show. Whereas, on the road, you can play a simple, boring game and not worry about those things."

Modry, who returned to the Kings last winter after spending parts of eight seasons with the team from 1996 to 2004, said it will be a prime opportunity for the team to gel, both on and off the ice.

"The advantage is, to spend time with your teammates to try to get on a roll," Modry said.

Blake, the most veteran player on the team with 18 years of NHL experience, said the trip has stood out on the schedule since last summer. With he and Stuart set to become unrestricted free agents in the off-season and rumored to be on the block heading into the trade deadline Feb. 26, the players will have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of opposing management.

Blake, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, has been choosing his words carefully when asked about a possible trade, but was quick to downplay the significance of the trip.

"Home or away, it doesn't matter that much," he said.

The Kings on Monday recalled defenseman Matt Moulson for the fourth time this season.

Alexander Frolov continued his strong play since returning from an 11-game layoff because of a groin injury. Frolov went scoreless the first four games after returning Dec. 15, but has 17 points in 15 games since.

The 25-year-old left wing scored his 11th goal of the season Thursday night in a 3-1 victory against visiting Anaheim, the Kings' fifth victory in their last seven games and eighth since ending an eight-game losing streak Dec. 29 in Colorado.