THE WEEK AHEAD

KINGS: 3 GAMES

Tonight vs. New York Rangers, 7:30, Fox Sports Net -- Eric Lindros has been playing with ham-handed wingers Matthew Barnaby and Chris Simon. That they have formed an effective line and are three of the Rangers’ best scorers says a good deal about the state of the NHL in 2003-04. Of course, given Lindros’ history of concussions, perhaps he’s lucky to be playing at all.

Wednesday at Phoenix, 6 p.m. -- If the first three games between the teams are any guide, the fourth one won’t be dull. The Kings defeated the Coyotes, 7-3, on Nov. 1, lost to them, 6-4, Nov. 28 and tied them, 4-4, after squandering a three-goal first-period lead Dec. 18. This also is the Kings’ first visit to the Coyotes’ new arena at Glendale, Ariz.

Saturday vs. Dallas, 7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Net -- They were good, then they were bad, and now it seems they’re good again. How the Stars finish the season is anyone’s guess despite being the defending Pacific Division champions.

-- Elliott Teaford