Visnovsky to Undergo More Tests

These being the Kings, rarely does a day go by when Coach Andy Murray isn’t asked about injuries, making Monday no different from almost every other day this season.

Defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky looked lethargic and pallid while watching practice at the Pengrowth Saddledome and was flown back to Los Angeles for MRI tests on his shoulder and neck that could be completed as soon as today.

Visnovsky, who went head-first into the boards after getting checked by Edmonton Oiler forward Ethan Moreau on Saturday, accompanied the team to Calgary after X-rays were negative but was not feeling better Monday afternoon.

“We’re sending him back to see our doctors,” Murray said. “He’s not going to play [tonight].”

The Kings probably will dress only six defensemen against the Flames, but Murray said enforcer Kip Brennan had played defense in junior hockey and could be used at the blue line if necessary.

Visnovsky, who has a team-high plus-14 rating and leads King defensemen with 25 points, received electric stimulation treatment on his right shoulder throughout the day.

“My neck’s feeling a little bit better,” he said. “Shoulder’s not so good. It’s the nerves. Very stiff.”

Visnovsky was not the only player needing treatment.

Rookie forward Dustin Brown got tangled up in the corner during practice and, favoring the left ankle he severely sprained in November, was helped off the ice by assistant trainer Rick Burrill.

Brown has played four games since retuning from the injury that forced him to sit out 26.

“It was a one-on-one drill and Kip Brennan fell into him,” Murray said. “We’re kind of just hoping it’s a quick thing. He was feeling better already in the [trainer’s] room.

“He’s going to have that [sprain] probably until the end of the season.”

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The Kings and Flames are tied for seventh in the Western Conference but Murray told players not to think about playoff implications with 29 games left in the regular season.

“I warned them about you [media] guys saying, ‘Big game, a battle for seventh place.’ It’s not a battle for seventh place, it’s a battle for two points. If we say it’s the biggest game, then what’s that say about Minnesota next Tuesday or Columbus the day after that?”

Forward Sean Avery has missed three games with a leg injury but could play tonight. “I feel good ... good Canadian air,” he said.