Despite Injury, Miller Insists He’ll Be Ready

Defenseman Aaron Miller, who sat out the last nine games of the season because of a sprained left wrist, probably won’t be at full strength for the playoffs. Miller, acquired from the Colorado Avalanche with Adam Deadmarsh in the Rob Blake trade, has been one of the Kings’ steadiest players and had a plus-14 defensive rating in 13 games.

Although Coach Andy Murray said he’s concerned about Miller’s ability to handle the puck, Miller insisted he will play.

“It’s coming along slower than I expected,” said Miller, who was injured March 19 when he reached for a puck, got tangled up with another player and bent his hand backward. “It’s tough being hurt this time of the year, but I’m playing in the playoffs. That’s my intention, whatever I have to do to get ready. It’s been tough watching these games because they’ve all been like playoff games.”

Center Bryan Smolinski, who sat out the last two games because of back spasms, is expected to be ready for the playoff opener. So is Ian Laperriere, who suffered a concussion Tuesday in Phoenix and sat out the last two games. “He could have played [Saturday],” Murray said. “We might as well be smart.”

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Felix Potvin carried the Kings into the playoffs, but his 23-game streak could create a problem. If Potvin gets hurt, Jamie Storr and Stephane Fiset would have to clear cobwebs off their equipment.

Storr hasn’t played since Feb. 18 and Fiset--who played two games on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment--hasn’t played an NHL game since Dec. 22. They’ve taken turns dressing as Potvin’s backup but neither has played a minute since Potvin took over.

Murray considered starting Storr or Fiset Saturday to give them a feel for game action but Potvin wanted to play and Murray granted that wish. Murray said he has chosen a playoff backup but wouldn’t reveal his pick. “We don’t expect him to play,” Murray said.

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The Kings will learn the schedule for their first-round series today. They plan to leave town Monday to get acclimated to the time and weather changes.