AN OPENER-AND-SHUT CASE KINGS, ROOKIE CENTER LOOK IMPRESSIVE IN ROAD VICTORY OVER WASHINGTON KINGS 4, WASHINGTON 1.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

WASHINGTON - There will be nights when the Kings miss Jozef Stumpel. But opening night was not one of them.

Out of the mess of Stumpel's holdout stepped rookie Eric Belanger, who played his first NHL game Friday night and looked like he had been here his whole life.

On his first shift, Belanger assisted on a goal by Luc Robitaille just 1:36 into the Kings' 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals at the MCI Center. Ten minutes later Belanger did it again, getting the puck to Robitaille, who scored the 555th goal of his 15-year career.

And if he that wasn't enough, Belanger put the game away late in the second when he scored in front of Caps goaltender Craig Billington.

``The whole thing was like watching a movie,'' Belanger said.

The only misstep of his memorable debut was saying he had been watching Robitaille play since he was 10. After some playful cursing, the veteran smiled.

Robitaille remembered his first NHL game when he scored on his first shift after a pass from Marcel Dionne. No one would say another torch had been passed. But in the province of Quebec, which is home to all three, there was quite a party Friday night.

``He came out of nowhere,'' Robitaille said. ``No one even gave him a thought, but he kept showing up every day and impressing people. He was so nervous before the game but we talked about and I told him to just have fun.''

Turned out all the Kings had fun after a training camp where Stumpel held out and Rob Blake resigned then reclaimed his captaincy. Blake, who like Stumpel is looking for a new contract, scored the Kings' second goal on just the team's third shot against Billington.

But general manager Dave Taylor didn't take any particular satisfaction in watching Stumpel's replacement light up the Caps. Taylor has taken a hard line in negotiations with Stumpel, issuing a take-it-or-leave it offer two weeks ago.

``It was a great game for Eric,'' Taylor said. ``But we want to get Stumpy signed and back with the team.''

Taylor applauded Belanger's scoring, but said his defense was just as important. The same was true of the whole team.

The Caps' only goal came from Calle Johansson during a five-on-three advantage in the first minute of the second period. On seven other power-play opportunities Washington was turned away.

The defense limited the Caps, winners of last year's Southeast Division, to 20 shots on goaltender Jamie Storr. The Kings' enthusiasm was buffered by the absence of Washington's Vezina Trophy goaltender Olaf Kolzig (knee injury) and leading goal scorer Chris Simon (contract dispute), but the defense stifled whatever was left.

Forward Kelly Buchberger stopped five shots and Bryan Smolinski and Bob Corkum stopped three each.

``We did an excellent job of forechecking and I think that really set the tone,'' said coach Andy Murray, who won his first NHL game in last season's opener. ``When you get the offense involved in the defense, that is a good sign.''

Early in camp, Murray had tried Brad Chartrand, one of his favorite players, in place of Stumpel on the first line. But Belanger wouldn't go away.

He was gritty in the corners, but also had a knack for getting the puck to the Kings' top scorers. Belanger too had something to prove to himself.

During last year's training camp, Belanger developed a blood clot in his right arm that threatened his career and his life. Doctors removed a rib on his right side to relieve pressure. But a month later he was back playing in the minor leagues.

``It took a while to get here,'' said Belanger, who is just 23. ``But when you have guys like Luc next to you, things are going to happen.''

KINGS vs. BUFFALO

Time: 4 p.m., at Marine Midland Arena

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net 2; 1110-AM (1110)

Matchup: The Kings are hoping to take advantage of their good luck. Friday, they did not face last year's top goaltender Olaf Kolzig and tonight won't see the Sabres' Dominik Hasek. Not only is Hasek out with a sprained knee, backup Martin Biron missed all of training camp in a contract dispute. Biron had a great rookie year, recording a 2.42 GAA in 42 games.

- Matt McHale

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

(color) Mattias Norstrom, left, congratulates Luc Robitaille after Robitaille's second goal Friday.

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Box: Kings vs. Buffalo (see text)