Chartrand Gets a Second Chance

Right wing Brad Chartrand was recalled from Lowell of the American Hockey League out of necessity, after Ziggy Palffy suffered a sprained right shoulder. But Chartrand, who started the season with the Kings but went to Lowell in January, is determined to stay based on merit, not need.

“It’s always a learning process,” Chartrand said. “You’re going to the minors for a reason. It allowed me to work on parts of my game I couldn’t work on here. It’s not like I’m suddenly going to be offensive dynamite, but I was thrown into all kinds of different situations and I learned a lot.

“I was on the power play, penalty killing, everything. I was really counted on. It put a lot of pressure on me, which was good. It made me realize I have to work hard to become better.”

Chartrand has been playing with Bob Corkum and Jason Blake on a line that’s primarily defensive. However, Chartrand contributed a goal last Sunday at Atlanta and hopes he can carry some of the offensive burden.

“This is a great time of year to be here,” said Chartrand, who had one shot in 10:47 of playing time against the Sharks. “And with Ziggy and Nelson [Emerson] out, there’s a responsibility for us to pick up the pace offensively. We’re a solid defensive line, but we realize if we get an offensive chance, we’ve got to take it.”

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Defenseman Garry Galley has been nominated for the Masterton trophy, given annually to honor a player who exhibits perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Galley, 36, had hernia surgery last summer but has been one of the Kings’ steadiest players and is an alternate captain. Each of the 28 chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers Assn. nominates a player for the award, which pays tribute to the late Bill Masterton of the Minnesota North Stars. Masterton suffered a head injury and died during a game in 1968.