Murray Expects a More Determined Effort

King Coach Andy Murray expects right wing Teemu Selanne to make his debut in a San Jose Shark uniform today at Staples Center.

Murray also expects the Kings to play with more grit and determination than they did in Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over the Selanne-less Sharks in San Jose. Despite the lopsided score, the Kings were outshot, 40-20.

“I think our players desperately want to get into the playoffs,” Murray said. “I don’t question their desire, but you can’t just want it to happen. In my opinion, we got our butts kicked in San Jose. Felix [Potvin, the Kings’ goaltender] made some good saves and we got timely goals, but we got our butts kicked.

“We’ve got to make it happen. I still think we need to be more determined. We need to be better than we were in San Jose.”

Selanne, traded March 5 by the Ducks to the Sharks, skated with his new teammates for the first time Friday. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery March 6 and has been eager to make his San Jose debut.

“I’m tired of being a floater,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle.

TODAY

vs. San Jose

Noon, Channel 7

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KSPN (1110).

* Records--Kings 32-27-10-1, Sharks 35-23-11-1.

* Record vs. Sharks--1-1.

* Update--Center Jozef Stumpel has been cleared to practice by the team’s medical staff, but Murray wasn’t immediately certain when he could play in a game. Stumpel, sidelined by a broken rib, participated in some drills with teammates Friday. San Jose will be without forward Patrick Marleau, who left the team to attend his grandmother’s funeral. Shark defenseman Bryan Marchment is serving the second game of a three-game suspension for kneeing Montreal’s Martin Rucinsky.

* Tickets--Sold out.