Corvo Is Benched Over Lapses on Defense

Another day in a playoff chase, another indication that mistakes and unsound play will not be tolerated this late in the season.

Joe Corvo, an offense-minded defenseman who has had recent lapses in coverage, was the latest player yanked out of the Kings’ lineup by Coach Andy Murray. Corvo sat out Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks after playing in 56 consecutive games.

Corvo was replaced by rookie Tim Gleason, a steady, defense-minded player who was paired Thursday with Aaron Miller.

“We think it’s going to be a physical game and Tim Gleason’s played well in that area,� Murray said before the game.

Corvo has a decent slap shot and has scored eight goals, but he has struggled defensively. He logged only 16:31 of ice time last Sunday against the Mighty Ducks -- the fewest minutes he had had since Dec. 13 -- and he was out of position for a critical goal by St. Louis forward Mike Sillinger in Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to the Blues.

Corvo was joined in healthy-scratch land by forward Martin Straka, who sat out a second consecutive game.

“It’s a tough decision to sit Marty Straka out,� Murray said. “But unfortunately for Marty, [scoring] hasn’t been part of the equation. Not because he’s not trying. We still have plans for Marty Straka.�

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Goaltender Cristobal Huet returned to the bench after Roman Cechmanek was activated Thursday, ending a busy stretch for Huet that included 12 consecutive starts.

“Nothing’s perfect, but we won some games,� said Huet, 6-4-2 while Cechmanek was sidelined with a groin injury. “I think I tried to give the team a chance to win during that stretch.�

Huet, however, entered Thursday’s game at the start of the third period after Cechmanek gave up four goals in the first two periods.

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Goaltender Milan Hnilicka was sent to minor league affiliate Manchester, N.H., after Cechmanek was activated.