No day at the Beach

Kyle Beach got a standing ovation Saturday night at Toyota Center. In fact, he got two.

Spokane's abrasive forward, who began his career in Everett, then got shipped to Lethbridge in a trade, appeared to get a fresh start with the Chiefs this season.

Beach got a dose of Toyota Center love before the game even started as fans had homemade signs up along the rail during warmups.

The one that stood out the most: Spokane, your Beach has got crabs.

Mr. Beach had an assist on Levko Koper's first goal and kept his nose clean the better part of two periods. But once the Chiefs fell behind 5-2, Beach began to show signs of his old self -- and his new teammates were following the bread crumbs down the road better not taken.

Beach was sent to the penalty box at 3:06 of the third period for roughing -- bringing the crowd to its feet. Just as the door closed, the referee escorted Mitch Wahl across the ice to join his teammate. Wahl received a 10-minute misconduct.

Beach was out of the box about four minutes before a slashing call sent him right back in -- again to a standing ovation.

Beach saw limited time the rest of the game, apparently in coach Hardy Sauter's doghouse. The crowd serenaded Beach near the end of the game with a chant generally reserved for the opposing goalie -- Kyle, Kyle, you suck!

That's a bit harsh. Beach is an extremely talented player and someday fans will see a side of him that doesn't include his number and nameplate on the way to the penalty box.