Rivalry Between Local Teams Is Old-Age Issue

King Coach Andy Murray, once a finalist for the Mighty Ducks’ coaching job, can’t resist taking swipes at the Ducks.

He aimed his latest jab at the Disney-owned club, which hosts the Kings today at the Arrowhead Pond, when asked about the Ducks’ off-season moves, including the free-agent signings of Adam Oates, 40, and Fredrik Olausson, 35.

“We signed some talented guys too,” Murray said before Saturday night’s 5-4 exhibition victory over the San Jose Sharks at San Jose. “They’re just about 15 years younger than some of the guys the Ducks signed.”

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Enforcer Ken Belanger, who played in 43 games last season, might not be ready for the start of the regular season for the Kings because of a back injury, Murray said.

Fellow tough guy Ryan Flinn, who made a strong impression in 10 games with the Kings last season while Belanger was sidelined because of a broken thumb, is sitting out because of a back strain.

In the meantime, Kip Brennan, 22, is filling the enforcer role.

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Though he does not participate in contact drills, Ian Laperriere has been practicing with the Kings.

The feisty forward, who had abdominal surgery last month, is expected to be in the lineup for the season opener Oct. 9 against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Jerry Crowe

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All eyes will be on Joffrey Lupul, Anaheim’s No. 1 draft pick in June, tonight. Lupul, who missed the first part of training camp while recovering from a hairline fracture in a lower vertebra, will skate on the Ducks’ third line centered by Matt Cullen.

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Regular-season individual game tickets for the Ducks will go on sale today at the Arrowhead Pond at 2 p.m. Tickets will also be available at all Ticketmaster locations and by calling (877) 945-3946. Fans who purchase a regular-season ticket at the Pond will receive a free ticket for tonight’s exhibition.

Lonnie White