Murray Not Looking Ahead

When the Kings went on the ice Friday for a practice at the Great Western Forum, it was with the knowledge that they would be playing the San Jose Sharks today in a game matching the teams with 31 points, second most in the NHL.

A first-place showdown?

“I see it as a battle for eighth place,” King Coach Andy Murray said.

“Our goal here is to make the playoffs, and we don’t have enough points to do that yet. First, we have to make the playoffs.

“So this isn’t a battle for first place, it’s a battle for eighth.”

That’s the last playoff spot in each of the two conferences.

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Jamie Storr, who suffered a strained right groin in Tuesday’s game at Colorado, said he could play today. “That last drill showed me I could,” he said after Friday’s workout.

The final drill pitted two skaters who had 30 seconds to score as many goals as possible against a goalie. It required a goalie to get up and down quickly to deal with multiple shots.

The injury is an old one and pain will continue, though six days off after today will help.

Murray said Friday night that doctors had told him Storr should be able to play today, but added that he will have Marcel Cousineau ready just in case.

Today

vs. San Jose, 12:30

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 13-7-4-1, Sharks 13-10-3-2.

* Record vs. Sharks--1-0.

* Update--San Jose is getting more power-play opportunities than any other team in the NHL, and the Sharks have been cashing in on them. They are 22 for 106 with a man advantage.

* Tickets--(888) 546-4753.