THE WEEK AHEAD

Tonight at Nashville, 5 p.m. -- Music City has been good to the Kings, who haven’t lost in eight games at Nashville since losing their Tennessee debut in April 1999, winning six and tying two and outscoring the Predators, 22-10.

Thursday vs. Calgary, Fox Sports Net 2, 7:30 p.m. -- Returning to Staples Center after a two-game trip, the Kings take on the last-place team in the Western Conference. The Flames, however, beat the Kings last month at Calgary, 2-1.

*--* KINGS: 4 GAMES

*--*

Saturday vs. New York Islanders, Fox Sports Net, 1 p.m. -- Last season, the Kings said they loved playing Saturday matinees, that the early start times brought young fans and their families into Staples Center, etc. Then they scheduled only two this season. This is the first.

Monday vs. San Jose, Fox Sports Net, 7 p.m. -- The Sharks swept a home-and-home series last month, outscoring the Kings, 6-1, including a 3-0 victory at Staples Center. After this one, the Kings head east for a five-game trip.

-- Jerry Crowe