KINGS NOTEBOOK: GRIMSON CHANGING WAYS?

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

Stu Grimson tied a career high with his third goal of the season late in the first period of Thursday's Kings victory against the Buffalo Sabres.

Grimson, the club's enforcer, has been a fixture on the fourth line, which has shown offensive spark the past few weeks. Former center Ian Laperriere has moved to right wing and rookie Eric Belanger had a goal in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Calgary.

``They've shown a lot of jump and I think it has been good for the team,'' Kings coach Andy Murray said. ``They charge the net and get right in the goaltender's face. That's what we want from everybody.''

The proof was in the Kings' first goal just 2:21 into the game. With the team on the power play, Steve Reinprecht moved in front and redirected a Rob Blake pass past Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek.

Then it was Grimson's turn. He moved in front of Hasek and battled defenseman Dmitri Kalinin. Laperriere threw a soft pass that Grimson batted into the goal.

``You know when he broke into the league he wanted to be a scorer,'' Murray said. ``I think it's great when it happens.''

Grimson, who was held out of Wednesday's practice with a sore knee, entered this season with 13 goals in 12 years. This is the third time he has scored three goals in a season. His career high in points is seven (3 goals, 4 assists) in 1997-98 with Carolina.

--Quick whistles: Third-line center Bob Corkum was a late scratch with the flu. Scott Thomas, impressive in two games when Nelson Emerson was out with a concussion, played after expecting to be scratched.