Jaroslav Bednar, a winger from Prague trying to make the King roster, didn't make a strong first impression in training camp.

Bednar (pronounced bed-nash) flashed the offensive skills that made him the leading goal scorer in the Finnish Elite League last season, but his inability to play within the Kings' structure concerned Coach Andy Murray.

Plus, he looked funny. His helmet was too big.

"The first few days, I kind of wondered whether we got the guy out of a Sunday night league," Murray said. "But he's played very well the last two games."

Bednar, a second-round pick in the entry draft in June, took a big step toward making the team Saturday night when he scored a third-period goal in the Kings' 4-3 exhibition victory over the San Jose Sharks at Las Vegas. Two nights earlier, he had an assist in a 4-0 victory over the Sharks. "It looked like his helmet fit," Murray said. "He looked like a player."

Said Bednar, "It's new hockey for me. It's a little bit faster than European hockey, and a bit harder, physical."