Injuries Make Turnaround Difficult

Few things have gone right over the first month of the season for the Kings, who have one of the weakest records in the league at 3-7-1-2 heading into tonight’s game against Chicago at Staples Center.

When they’ve played well offensively, their defense has let them down. When their defense has been strong, they haven’t scored enough goals to win.

And to make their situation worse, the Kings must try to turn things around without such key injured players as Ziggy Palffy (back), Aaron Miller (back), Nelson Emerson (concussion) and possibly Jason Allison (leg).

“We’re kind of in new territory as a coaching staff and as a team,” Coach Andy Murray said about the Kings’ up-and-down play this season. “Ultimately it’s my responsibility to get the players to play up to the standard that they played at before.”

When the Kings made their playoff run last season, a key part to their success was the contribution they received from role players. Many of them had career seasons. That hasn’t been the case so far this season.

“Unfortunately, some of the players have reverted back to [their previous play] rather than the standard they set for us,” Murray said. “That is the concern for me.... Some guys who were a seventh or eighth defenseman are playing like a seventh or eighth defenseman and not like the fourth, fifth or sixth defenseman like they played for us last year.”

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Because they have had so many injuries, the Kings recalled defenseman Derek Bekar, who may get a chance to work on the power play, according to Murray.

TONIGHT

vs. Chicago, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KSPN (1110).

Records--Kings 3-7-1-2, Blackhawks 7-3-3-0.

Record vs. Chicago--0-1-0-0.

Update--The Blackhawks handed the Kings a 5-1 loss Tuesday, with Igor Korolev and Mark Bell each recording four points. Defenseman Mathieu Schneider and forward Adam Deadmarsh are expected to play for the Kings after not being in the lineup Tuesday.