Blake’s Knee Gives Him Problems

Defenseman Rob Blake left Vancouver to return home Saturday morning after he had problems with his left knee during the Kings’ morning skate. Blake, who has not played since Feb. 18, will remain in Los Angeles and get treatment and hopes to play Thursday night when the Kings host the New York Rangers at the Forum.

Last season, Blake played in only six games before being sidelined with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This the first time since he had reconstructive surgery that he has pain in the knee.

“It’s scary because an injury like I had takes a full year just to get back,” said Blake, who has sat out 18 games this season. “This is the first time in a long time that it has felt like this. It’s frustrating.”

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The start of Saturday night’s game was delayed 23 minutes because of a heart attack suffered by an elderly man sitting near the penalty box at General Motors Place. . . . The Kings wore their “home” white jerseys against the Canucks, who wore their “dark” third jersey for the game. . . . Defenseman Sean O’Donnell (back) and forwards Ian Laperriere (head) and Kevin Stevens (ankle) did not play because of injuries. All three are questionable for Tuesday’s game at Edmonton.