[0] OLCZYK DELIVERS WINNER : KINGS HOLD ON IN SEASON OPENER KINGS 1, NY ISLANDERS 0.

Byline: Tim Trepany Daily News Staff Writer

OK, so maybe Nicholas Michael Olczyk's timing isn't the greatest.

But at least he decided to make his grand entrance into the world in time for his father, Kings forward Eddie Olczyk, to make it to Friday night's season opener against the New York Islanders.

Just in time.

At 5:20 p.m., a little more than two hours before gametime, Nicholas Michael weighed in at six pounds, 11 ounces. He is Diana and Eddie Olczyk's fourth child.

But that gave his father enough time to rush to the Forum after 25 hours in the delivery room at Cedars Sinai Hospital and score the lone goal in the Kings' 1-0 victory over the New York Islanders before an announced 15,757 fans.

``I didn't feel that great tonight but with the home opener I wanted to carry out the (leadership) role I have both on and off the ice here,'' said Olczyk, who played the game with the hospital bracelet on his left wrist. ``It was important I play for the team.''

Goalie Stephane Fiset, in his Kings debut, made 26 saves for his seventh career shutout, but he had no qualms about handing over the game puck to Olczyk.

``It means more to him than me,'' Fiset said.

Olczyk was in his car 27 minutes after the birth and arrived at the Forum at 6:10 p.m. It was the third time he has scored a goal in the game immediately following the birth of his child.

``Four kids is more than enough,'' he said. ``I became a gelding tonight.''

Although the victory came against the lowly Islanders, who are in a similar rebuilding process, there were plenty of positives for the new-look Kings.

Defenseman Rob Blake, playing his first NHL game since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee almost a year ago, looked sharp.

Granted permission to play by Dr. Ron Kvitne just 1-1/2 hours before the game, he laid several big hits, saved a goal in the second period by throwing himself across the crease on an open net, assisted on Olczyk's goal and showed no ill effects from last year's knee injury or last month's torn triceps/elbow infection.

``I just had to play my normal style,'' said Blake. ``I had to hit a different way; not lead with my elbow. I have to pick my spots.

``I've come back from so many injuries I know how to approach it.''

Fiset stopped center Derek King on a breakaway, then Zigmund Palffy on the rebound shot, during the third period, and managed to stay on his feet most of the game, a trait rarely seen by recent Kings goalies.

But those goalies were forced to scramble playing behind a porous Kings defense. Friday, the Kings limited the Islanders' shots, affording Fiset some breathing room.

The Kings' performance closely followed what was predicted of them. Their grinding, defensive style limited the Islanders' chances, but they had trouble converting their scoring opportunities.

Rookie goalie Eric Fichaud, playing in just his 25th NHL game, had no problem keeping the puck out of the net, until Olczyk struck on a power play.

Olczyk won a faceoff in the Islanders zone. The puck went to Blake, who passed it to Mattias Norstrom on the left point. Fichaud appeared as if he was going to get his left pad on Norstrom's shot, but Olczyk came around the right post and deflected the shot before the goalie got to it.

Notes: Defensemen Sean O'Donnell and Aki Berg were healthy scratches for the Kings. . . . It marked the first time the Kings have failed to sell out their home opener since 1989. . . . Forwards Craig Johnson (strained abdomen) and Vladimir Tsyplakov (strained abdomen), and defensemen Steven Finn (severe contusion, right tibia) and Philippe Boucher (right shoulder sprain) were placed on injured reserve by the Kings. They must stay there at least seven days, but because it can be retroactive to the day they were injured, they all are eligible to come off when healthy.

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2 Photos

Photo: (1--color) The Kings' Dmitri Khristich tries to g et the puck past Islanders goalie Eric Fichaud during L.A.'s season-opening victory.

(2) Brent Grieve of the Kings, left, battles for the puck early in Friday night's game.

Terri Thuente / Daily News