Murray Wants More From Smolinski

Forward Bryan Smolinski scored three goals in the Kings’ 8-2 victory over Carolina on Friday for the third hat trick of his career and first since Jan. 16, 2001. It was the type of effort the Kings are going to need as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.

“We’re looking to see that more often from Bryan,” said Coach Andy Murray, whose Kings open a two-game trip tonight against Dallas, the top team in the Western Conference. “His attitude has been good, we just want to see him do it again.

“It’s all nice to pass out bouquets after a guy gets a hat trick, but we need Bryan Smolinski to score 25 goals plus this year. If [scoring a hat trick] gets him going to score 13 more goals, then that’s great. That’s what he should do. I don’t want to get too warm and fuzzy now. I’ll feel good about it at the end of the year when he has 25.”

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With Brad Norton sidelined because of a concussion and Jason Allison and Chris McAlpine both going on the injured list Saturday, Murray shook his head when he thought about deciding which players to call up from the minors.

“There are not a heck of a lot of options in terms of players to choose from,” Murray said. “We’ve got most of their top offensive-type guys up here already.”

Norton suffered a concussion late in the third period of the Kings’ victory over Carolina. He did not travel with the team for the Kings’ two-game trip, which will conclude Tuesday at Nashville.

Allison, who has played in 26 games this season, was put on the injured list, retroactive to Jan. 25, because of a neck strain. McAlpine’s season may be over because he’s scheduled for abdominal surgery on Monday. McAlpine has two points in 21 games this season.

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Forward Ian Laperriere, who had knee surgery last week and was expected to be sidelined at least a month, worked out with the team Saturday and could play Tuesday at Nashville.

TODAY

at Dallas, 4 p.m. PST

Site -- American Airlines Center.

Radio -- KSPN (710), XTRA (690/1150).

Records -- Kings 22-24-4-4, Stars 31-11-12-1.

Record vs. Stars -- 2-2.

Update -- After winning the first two games of the series, the Kings were outscored, 10-6, in losing twice to the Stars during the first week of January. Dallas Coach and former King assistant Dave Tippett has led the Stars to the best record in the Western Conference.