NHL UPDATE: NEW GOALIE HAPPY TO BE PART OF KINGS.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

EL SEGUNDO - On the first day of training camp, the questions came at Roman Cechmanek like slap shots from the blue line.

Despite a career 1.96 goals-against average, Cechmanek's three years ended badly in Philadelphia. He was not a costly acquisition for the Kings after Flyers general manager Bobby Clarke said last spring Cechmanek wasn't coming back.

``This is a good thing for everyone,'' said Cechmanek, who was traded for a second-round pick. ``After three years I think everyone will benefit: me, the Kings, the Flyers, the fans. I like the idea of playing here. This is a very good team.''

Cechmanek, 32, replaces Felix Potvin, who signed this week with Boston. They are the same age, but Potvin has 10 years in the NHL. Cechmanek joined the Flyers after a lengthy career in his native Czech Republic.

He always was impressive during the regular season. His huge wing span and often unorthodox style of play made him a fan favorite.

Until playoff time.

In his first two seasons, the Flyers went out in the first round despite averaging 99 points during the regular season. Philadelphia got to the second round last year and probably wished it hadn't.

During a series-turning defeat to Ottawa, Cechmanek lost his glove. When he went down to fetch it, the puck sailed over his shoulder for the game-winning goal.

Fans were horrified, but nothing like Clarke, who vowed Cechmanek never would return.

Kings general manager Dave Taylor only smiled when asked whether Clarke had committed the ultimate GM sin of ripping a player before trying to trade him. Taylor made the deal without giving up any of his three first-round picks in last year's draft. That probably would not have been possible if Clarke hadn't opened his mouth.

``We were looking for a change and an upgrade in goal,'' Taylor said. ``Roman is very aggressive in net. He almost plays like a soccer goalie. He gives up a few bad goals, but he also gets to pucks no one else can.''

Cechmanek said a close-knit circle of family and friends back in the Czech Republic helped him cope with the criticism. He was the backup to Dominic Hasek during the World Championships after last season's playoffs.

Cechmanek thought he was wrongly accused of blowing the Senators series. Taylor likes the way his new goaltender wants to prove everyone wrong.

``Actually I was happy there,'' Cechmanek said of Philadelphia. ``But I am going to be happy here, too.''

Matt McHale, [phone]

matt.mchale(at)dailynews.com

SCOUTING REPORT

Analysis of new Kings goaltender Roman Cechmanek, a 6-foot-3, 187-pounder from Gottwaldov, Czech Republic, compiled from NHL scouts and general managers:

1. Puckhandling: Adequate. Very active and likes to handle the puck but sometimes gets into trouble.

2. Lateral movement: Good for a big guy. Almost plays like a soccer goalie coming out to meet the play.

3. Consistency: Style and aggressiveness sometimes leads to bad goals.

4. Rebounds: Sometimes finds himself out of position after first shot and doesn't always get back.

5. Confidence: Never wavered during criticism of bad goals or bad losses in Philadelphia's second-round playoff defeat to Ottawa.

6. Focus: Unorthodox style can be a problem. Might go down on one knee to make a stop, pucks known to squirt between his legs or under his arm. Lost his glove on a bad playoff goal vs. Senators.

7. Reflexes: Excellent scrambling ability with long limbs, never gives up on the puck.

8. Leadership: Leads by example. Strong practice player. Of Flyers' 10 optional practices last year, he played in nine.

9. Quickness: Good for a big guy. Great at stopping first shot and keeping an eye on puck with traffic in front.

- Matt McHale

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

no caption (Roman Cechmanek)

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SCOUTING REPORT (see text)