The return of Schenn

As coincidence would have it, Brayden Schenn’s second NHL game will be at the same arena as his first game. The name of the barn has changed, from GM Place to Rogers Arena, but it looked familiar enough to Schenn, who made his NHL debut last season on Nov. 26. Schenn was an emergency recall, from his junior team, after Andrei Loktionov suffered a shoulder injury the night before in Edmonton, and Schenn had only a few hours’ notice that he would be in the lineup against the Canucks. This time, it’s a bit more calm. Schenn found out during the week that he had made the Kings’ opening-night roster and would be centering Kyle Clifford and Kevin Westgarth. I caught up with him after today’s morning skate…

Question: A little less of a whirlwind than the last time you were here?

SCHENN: “Last year was quite a bit of a whirlwind, actually. I didn’t really know I was playing until after the pregame meal. This time is a little more relaxed, but as sure as the game gets closer, I’ll be a little more nervous as well.”

Question: Does that experience help you now, just in terms of knowing what to expect?

SCHENN: “Yeah, but it’s definitely different tonight. Hopefully I’m playing to stay. Last year was just kind of a one-game thing, but I’m excited to play tonight. It should be a good atmosphere here.”