In a chat with ESPN.com users, Blake talked about his recent selection as a starter in the 2000 All-Star Game and said a lot of it has to do with the Kings' success this season. Blake also talked about his feelings on the Kings' play of late and says injuries are keeping them from reaching their full potential.

If you missed Blake's Jan. 10 chat, an edited transcript follows:

	Blake and the Kings beat the Panthers 4-2 Thursday night.

The Fridge: Congrats on being named and All-Star Game starter. How did it feel to play for Canada in the '98 Olympics? Do you think NHL players should play in the 2002 Olympics?

Rob Blake: The experience in the Olympics was great and players should be able to play in 2002. The players accept the interruption because of what it does for the league.

JMoulton: Who has been your most formidable opponent and the hardest to stop one-on-one?

Rob Blake: In our division, probably a guy like Paul Kariya, Owen Nolan or Keith Tkachuk. With Kariya, you give him a little space, but you don't go out and try to hit him because he'll beat you. Paul is so smart; he doesn't put himself in a position to be hit.

Phil in LA: Season ticket holder here. Are you guys satisfied with the overall play right now? How has Andy Murray helped you guys during this tough stretch?

Rob Blake: As far as being satisfied, we're happy but not satisfied. We had a letdown of 10 games and that hurt us and now we need to get back on track. We had some key injuries, and we survived a little while but it's tough to keep that going.

Andy has been real good, staying real positive. He's the real reason we've been strong the past few games. He holds us accountable all the time.

Kurt: Do you still find the travel difficult even though there are more NHL teams closer to L.A.?

Rob Blake: You know, fortunately for me, I've been in L.A. my whole career and that's all I've ever known. It's been less but it's still all I know. It's accepted.

Nick: When you were little, who did you admire?

BLAKE'S FILE

The 11-year veteran has played his entire career with the Kings after being selected by Los Angeles in the fourth round (70th pick overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. Blake is having another outstanding season for the 18-15-7 Kings -- he already has 13 goals and 13 assists (26 points) on the year. The 6-foot-3, 225 pound Blake is a force on defense and gets this analysis from ESPN's NHL analyst Brian Engblom: "Blake's poke-checking ability, hitting, skating and shooting are outstanding. What is underrated about Blake is his speed. He has huge strides, but they are quick. He can take two steps from the front of the net to the corner to hit somebody. He swallows up ground quickly and just pounds people into the glass. He responds quickly to loose pucks and players trying to make plays in the corner."

Rob Blake: Probably Larry Robinson. You take role models in hockey, and he was a guy I watched. When he coached, I wanted to do so much for him. It was difficult when the team didn't respond to the things he wanted us to do.

Rob Blake: We have to wait and see what happens when we get everyone healthy. We need Jozef Stumpel and we need to get our goalies healthy. Then we can get a good read on our team.

Jason Moulton: What are your thoughts on the Yashin situation?

Rob Blake: It's a tough one. I kind of agree that a player should play out his contract. You should stick it out, like it or not. I don't know all the circumstances, but most players think it should be played out. I don't know what will happen, but it's not a good situation on both sides.

Nelson: How is it possible for Muzz to have a faster slap shot than you? Sounds fishy! What types of workouts would you recommend for someone to improve their shot power?

Rob Blake: Glen's shot is so hard because we have a new workout. A lot of cleans and full body movements. Glen is a natural athlete. A lot of shooting is timing and athleticism, and he's got that. Anything hand-eye, he picks it up so much quicker than anyone.

Nick: Who do you think is going to win the Super Bowl?

Rob Blake: Indy because of Peyton Manning. He has so much control over that team.

Neal Folger: How does it feel being selected to an All-Star game?

Rob Blake: It's a good feeling. Obviously with the fans voting, it's nice to be recognized. Part of it is because our team is doing well.

Will Snyder: Do you like the Internet? Do you use it much on the road or at home?

Rob Blake: I'm on it quite a bit. It's the wave of the future, and the info is so great. A lot of guys use it on the road. I like a lot of the hockey sites. I did a lot of online shopping this Christmas because of all my travel.

Scott Champagne: What do you think of the new overtime system of 4-on-4 hockey and would you like to see the NHL lean toward a shootout to decide a winner if need be?

Rob Blake: The 4-on-4 is real exciting. Players and fans like it. The shootout is a valuable option for the regular season, but not for a playoff game. A shootout would be great. The loser should still get a point.

Kent: How do you keep your self motivated all the time game after game? It must be hard.

Rob Blake: The main motivation factor is the fear of failure. Every time you step on the ice, you do not want to fail. The reason you try to do your best is that you don't want to be on the other side.

Mama D's Boys: When you coming back down for dinner? Our treat, of course.

Rob Blake: I got married, so my wife cooks a lot. But I'll spoil her soon and take her back there.

Will Snyder: Didn't you want to "mix it up" with Peter Worrell in the last game?

Rob Blake: No, I didn't want to. I didn't have a choice. He does a pretty good job. I should have stayed on the ice. I had no say in the matter. Something pretty drastic would have to happen for me to drop the gloves. You have to be smart about that.

Wyatt in LA: Who has has been your favorite player to play with during your career?

Rob Blake: Obviously, Wayne Gretzky. Why? Because he is the greatest player in the world. To play with him was pretty exciting. Just everything about him. You come into the league as a pro and you see how he deals with his fame. It's amazing what you can learn from him.

Todd in chicopee: What are your thoughts about being in the toughest division in the league?

Rob Blake: I think it's a challenge every night. There's no easy nights, especially down the stretch. San Jose and Phoenix have been the biggest surprises.

Thanks a lot for the questions and the support all year. See you at the rink!