Hunter hopes to get on a roll

Trent Hunter will stay in the lineup tonight, and the Kings hope he has a little momentum. On Thursday, Hunter scored his first goal of the season — and his 100th career NHL goal — and tonight, Hunter will be on (another) new-look third line, with left winger Brad Richardson and center Jarret Stoll. Hunter, who came to training camp without a contract and earned a one-year deal, was signed largely as an insurance policy in case things didn’t work out with Scott Parse. Well, they didn’t, because Parse required hip surgery for a second consecutive year, but the Kings would like to see more offensive production from Hunter.

HUNTER: “I think the chances have been there. I think you start worrying when you’re not getting the chances. I’ve had some chances but they weren’t going in before, so it’s definitely nice to see that one go in, and hopefully the flood gates will open up.’’

Question: With your goal, and in the third period in general (Thursday), was there a little better net presence there?

HUNTER: “I think that’s just something we know we’ve got to do. Unfortunately, sometimes it leaves your game, and it’s got to be one of those things that you do all the time, that attitude. The harder it is for the goalie to see the puck, the better chance you’re going to have to get those second, third cracks at it, and get those rebound goals in front of the net.’’