KINGS NOTEBOOK: BEDNAR BREAKS THE ICE.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

The Kings were hoping they got a big-time scorer when they drafted Jaroslav Bednar last June. On the day Bednar finally scored his first NHL goal, the Kings completed a deal that brought Nashville's Cliff Ronning to Los Angeles.

Bednar, 25, struggled all season to adjust to the North American game after scoring 25 goals in the Finnish Elite League. He returned from minor-league Manchester, N.H., three games ago when Kelly Buchberger (sprained right ankle) went on injured reserve.

With 16:41 left in the second period of the Kings' 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday, Bednar scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal on the power play.

``It was a great feeling to get that first one,'' said Bednar, who scored 16 at Manchester. ``This year has been an adjustment for me.''

Bednar (pronounced Bed-nash) pleased the Kings, scoring five goals in his last five games with the Monarchs. More importantly, he was competing harder for the puck. He credits Manchester coach Bruce Boudreau and NHL veteran Ted Donato for picking up his game.

``We wanted him to succeed, but his all-around game needed work,'' Kings coach Andy Murray said. ``In the last three games I've seen some good things.''

Bednar wears a heavy brace around his left knee. Last December he aggravated an old injury and missed five weeks. But instead of moping in a new country, he rehabilitated and strengthened the knee.

When he returned to the Kings, Bednar was placed on the first line with Jason Allison and Adam Deadmarsh. Murray said he wants to give Bednar time to develop during the stretch run.

But with the addition of Ronning, a center/left-wing, there might be some moving around. Steve Heinze, benched Saturday because of a 20-game goal-less drought, could be moved off the second line. The Kings also want to get more playing time for Craig Johnson, who assisted on Bednar's goal. Buchberger is expected back Thursday, but that might be premature.

``It's still too soon to know how it will all turn out,'' Murray said. ``But it was great to see that first goal.''

--Robitaille is back: With injuries to top players Mario Lemieux, Martin Straka and Robert Lang, the slumping Penguins have been giving plenty of ice time to Randy Robitaille, who played with the Kings briefly after signing last summer as a free agent.

Robitaille was claimed off waivers in early January and has been one of Pittsburgh's best offensive players.

He always was an impressive minor-league scorer, but now appears to have stepped up at the NHL level.

Robitaille had a goal and an assist Saturday and has three goals and 12 points in the past nine games.