Team Value Ranks Ninth in League

The Kings rank ninth in value among NHL teams at $205 million, according to a review of club evaluations and profit margins by Forbes magazine. That’s nearly double the value of the Mighty Ducks, who rank 25th at $111 million.

On a reported revenue base of $81 million, the Kings made a $7.1-million profit last season, more than all but two U.S. teams, the magazine reported in its Dec. 23 issue. The Toronto Maple Leafs made $24.2 million, the Minnesota Wild $12.1 million and the Nashville Predators $9 million.

The Ducks, on a revenue base of $48 million, lost $13.7 million in the 2001-02 season, more than all but the Washington Capitals, who lost $25.4 million, and the St. Louis Blues, who absorbed an $18-million shortfall.

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Jason Allison left Tuesday’s morning skate early, complaining of tightness in his injured right knee, but was in the lineup against the Predators. “He thinks it’s just [from] the long flight,” Coach Andy Murray said.... Lubomir Visnovsky, suffering from back spasms, did not make the trip. Murray is hopeful that the defenseman will be able to play this weekend.... Steve Heinze, whose penalty led to the decisive goal Saturday night in a 4-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, was benched Tuesday night. He has not scored a goal in four games since his recall from the minors last month. Dating to Jan. 15, his goal-scoring drought has reached 31 games.

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TONIGHT

At Dallas, 5:30 PST, Fox Sports Net

Site -- American Airlines Center.

Radio -- KSPN (1110).

Records -- Kings 11-9-4-3, Stars 16-6-6-1.

Record vs. Stars -- 1-0.

Update -- The Stars, threatening to run away with the Pacific Division title, are the only team in the league that has not lost at home in regulation time. They’re 10-0-2-1.

-- Jerry Crowe