KINGS TONIGHT

Opponent--Buffalo Sabres.

Site--Marine Midland Arena, Buffalo, N.Y.

Time--4:30 PST.

TV--Fox Sports West.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Kings 12-17-4, Sabres 16-14-2.

Record vs. Sabres (1995-96)--0-1-1.

King update--Despite 37 shots on goal, the Kings were shut out for the sixth time this season on Wednesday with a 4-0 loss to the Rangers in New York. Goalie Byron Dafoe, who gave up four goals in 23 shots, dropped to 7-6-1. The Kings are 3-10-1 in their last 14 games. Coach Larry Robinson says the team desperately needs a victory. “We just can’t throw up our arms and say ‘We don’t know what to do,’ ” he said. “We’re groping at straws right now, and the only way we can break out of this slump is to just work harder.”

Sabre update--With a 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Wednesday, the Sabres are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. Derek Plante scored twice and Mike Wilson and Michal Grosek each had two assists in their victory against the Lightning. Goalie Dominik Hasek improved to 16-12-2 and has won four of his last six starts. Plante leads the team with 24 points. The Sabres, with 34 points, are in second place in the Northeast Division, two points behind Hartford.