Defensemen Getting to the Point

Andy Murray is not one to throw around praise too often, especially with the Kings still trying to get back to .500, but the third-year coach said he’s been pleased with the play of defensemen Jaroslav Modry and Philippe Boucher this season.

“What Modry and Boucher have done over the last few years is a great story,” Murray said before Saturday night’s 3-2 victory over Columbus at Staples Center.

“Modry couldn’t play regularly until last year and Philippe Boucher was in the [now-defunct International Hockey League], and the year before he had been in and out of [former King Coach] Larry Robinson’s lineup. Right now, you would have to probably say they are our two best defensemen.”

Modry has 19 points, tops among NHL players without a goal. His 18 assists before Saturday were tied for second among defensemen, and he had one more against Columbus.

“He’s competing harder,” Murray said. “His ability to play in a tight-checking game had always been somewhat in question, but he’s raised that level of intensity.”

Boucher, who recorded his first goal of the season in Thursday’s victory over Vancouver, is the team leader in shots on goal with 93 before Saturday.

“Boucher is as good as a defenseman as we have right now,” said Murray, who recently has teamed him with team captain Mattias Norstrom.

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With six prospects expected to compete, the Kings will be heavily represented at the World Junior Championships, Dec. 25 to Jan. 4 in the Czech Republic. Centers Mike Cammalleri and Jared Aulin will represent Canada and winger David Steckel will play for the United States. Forwards Jens Karlsson and Tim Ericksson are expected to be on Sweden’s team and Alexander Frolov likely will play for Russia.