Second Line Gets Another Make-Over

In an effort to jump-start the second line, the Kings flip-flopped wingers Glen Murray and Donald Audette Thursday night, Audette moving from the left to his more-accustomed right wing, where he had played for nine NHL seasons, and Murray switching to the less-familiar left.

The two appeared uncertain as to their defensive roles at first, but by evening’s end had adjusted and, as important, had generated chances to score.

Audette had a front-porch shot that was rejected by Tampa Bay’s Daren Puppa in the second period, and Murray hit the goal post with a shot in the second and had two shots in the third.

Center Bryan Smolinski also had three shots.

“I think they had unbelievable chances tonight,” team captain Rob Blake said. “They’re snake-bit right now, but that’s our second line and that’s a key for us.”

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Left wing Steve McKenna underwent successful surgery Thursday to repair a minor retinal tear in his left eye, the result of a sticking incident Monday at St. Louis. McKenna is expected to be out one to two weeks. . . . Rookie defenseman Fran Kaberle had two assists Thursday, his first NHL points.

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New Tampa Bay Coach Steve Ludzik, on not-so-great expectations of the Lightning: “They make a big thing about being a .500 team. To me, that’s like telling your son that it’s OK to have a 50 on his report card.”

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The hat trick was Luc Robitaille’s 14th in the NHL. The three goals give him 523 for his career, one behind Bryan Trottier, who is 21st on the all-time list.