Murray Wants Sustained Effort

The Kings had ample motivation to play a gritty style in their home-and-home series against the San Jose Sharks because the teams are fighting for a playoff spot. But King Coach Andy Murray reminded players Wednesday that they can’t let up tonight against the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets.

“Anything less than the energy and passion we played with [Tuesday] won’t get the job done,” Murray said. “You assume your players know that, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t talk about it.”

The Kings fell to ninth place in the West on Wednesday night when the Phoenix Coyotes defeated the Minnesota Wild, 2-0. Earlier, in deference to the rugged back-to-back games against San Jose, Murray limited most players to off-ice workouts. Center Eric Belanger skated at HealthSouth training center in El Segundo and might play after sitting out two games because of an upper-body contusion. Winger Scott Thomas, who sat out four games because of a concussion, might also be available.

“I guess I like my team over the last couple of nights,” Murray said. “We battled and played hard and had a full lineup that was competing. The big guns were competing a lot harder and were a lot more involved.”

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Defenseman Jere Karalahti, who has been in and out of the lineup, will stay in. “He probably played two of his better games the last two,” Murray said. . . . Tip-A-King, the Kings’ annual charitable event, raised a record $186,483 to provide educational and recreational opportunities for local children.

TONIGHT

vs. Columbus

7:30, Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KSPN (1110).

* Records--Kings 34-28-12-2, Blue Jackets 25-36-9-6.

* Record vs. Blue Jackets--2-1.

* Update--Felix Potvin will start his 18th consecutive game in goal for the Kings. Injuries have hit the Blue Jackets hard lately. Winger Geoff Sanderson and defenseman Jamie Pushor have sprained knees, winger Ray Whitney has a back injury and winger Robert Kron has a broken ankle. Center Espen Knutsen is day to day because of a neck strain. However, the Blue Jackets are 12-10-5-4 since Jan. 15.

* Tickets--(888) 546-4752.