Michal Handzus

Some reasons why the Kings finally made the playoffs: Anze Kopitar Goals (34), assists (47), points (81) — career highs. Ryan Smyth Was in Stanley Cup finals (with Oilers). Stakes his ground in front of the net. Had 22 goals in 67 games. Dustin Brown Known for hard hits, soft-spoken leadership; had 24 goals and 56 points. Michal Handzus Had 20 goals and 42 points; lots of postseason experience. Drew Doughty Had 16 goals and 43 assists; a superb defender.

Center Alexei Yashin of the New York Islanders is expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks after partially severing tendons in his right wrist during Tuesday night's 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Yashin's right arm was cut by the skate of Flyer center Michal Handzus during a scramble that led to Arron Asham's game-tying goal. The cut resulted in two partially severed tendons and a severed nerve. Yashin underwent surgery and will be in a cast for four weeks before rehabilitation can begin.

Marian Hossa's power-play goal with 3:24 left in regulation lifted the Ottawa Senators into a 2-2 tie with the New York Islanders and former teammate Alexei Yashin on Tuesday night at Uniondale, N.Y. Yashin and linemate Mariusz Czerkawski each had a goal and an assist for the Islanders. Toronto 6, Phoenix 3--Bryan McCabe had two goals and two assists for the Maple Leafs at Toronto. Darcy Tucker had a goal and two assists for the Maple Leafs.

Kevin Weekes turned boos into cheers Tuesday night, lifting the New York Rangers into the playoffs for the first time since 1997. The backup goalie, playing in place of injured Henrik Lundqvist, stopped Peter Forsberg and Michal Handzus in the shootout after making 21 saves to give the Rangers a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden. Michael Nylander scored in regulation and the shootout, and Martin Straka added a goal for the Rangers.

VS. MINNESOTA Time: 1. On the air: TV: Prime. Radio: 1150. Where: Staples Center. Records: Kings 27-28-9; Wild 31-27-5. Record vs. Wild: 3-0. Update: Forward Kevin Westgarth was recalled from Manchester of the American Hockey League. In 55 games with the Monarchs he had eight points and a team-high 146 penalty minutes, so it's safe to assume he's not being summoned for his finesse.

Kings tonight VS. SAN JOSE When: 7:30. Where: Staples Center. On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 1150. Records: Kings 0-1-0, Sharks 1-1-0. Record vs. Sharks (2008-09): 1-3-0. Update: Dustin Brown returned to practice after missing a day because of a strained gluteal muscle. Winger Wayne Simmonds, however, took a therapy day and didn't practice, though he's expected to play tonight. Forward/defenseman Peter Harrold took Simmonds' spot with Alexander Frolov and Michal Handzus on Monday, forcing Coach Terry Murray to delay deciding if he will change the defense corps after its shaky performance in Saturday's season opener.