Allison Beginning to Show His Ability

Jason Allison has one point in two games with the Kings, an assist on a goal by defenseman Mathieu Schneider in the second period of Friday night’s 3-2 loss to the Panthers at Sunrise, Fla.

The all-star center’s transition to his new team continues after a five-week holdout and Wednesday’s trade from the Boston Bruins.

“I thought it was a step in the right direction, and this is what you have to expect, that he’ll get better every day,” Coach Andy Murray said. “He had the puck a lot, did a lot of the things we know he’s capable of.”

Schneider also was impressed.

“He’s just a natural out there,” Schneider said. “A couple games, he should be right back in it. We have three games in four days [ending with today’s matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes]. November will be a little easier on him. We have three weeks with four days off, so that’s going to allow him to ease into it a little more.

“I had one season where I came in four games into the season, missed all of training camp, and it’s tough. Your adrenaline’s going the first couple games, then you have a little dip. But he’s so natural, so patient with the puck, so smart.”

*

Bryan Smolinski, sidelined Friday night after suffering a muscle strain in his back during pregame warmups, was treated Saturday and hopes to play today.

He hated watching the Kings lose by one goal for the sixth time.

“It [stinks],” he said. “If that’s the worst of it, we’ve got a nice little road ahead of us. But if it’s going to get any worse than this...

“Hopefully, it’s going to get better pretty soon.”

*

Aaron Miller, suffering from back spasms, was put on the injured reserve list Saturday, retroactive to Oct. 21, and Randy Robitaille was recalled from the Kings’ American Hockey League team at Manchester, N.H. Miller, who flew home Thursday for further tests, is not expected to rejoin the Kings until after Tuesday night’s trip finale at Chicago.

TODAY

at Carolina, 10:30 a.m. PST

Site--Entertainment and Sports Arena.

Radio--KSPN (1110).

Records--Kings 3-6-1-1, Hurricanes 5-4-0-2.

Record vs. Hurricanes (2000-01)--2-0.

Update--Having lost already to three other Southeast Division teams--the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers--the Kings take on the division-leading Hurricanes. The Kings are 2-0-1 in North Carolina.