Season Unravels, Plans Change

According to the master plan drawn up months ago by Andy Nowicki, the Kings’ goaltending consultant, Jamie Storr probably was penciled in to start Tuesday night against the San Jose Sharks.

But that plan was junked as the King season unraveled.

“We’re on more of a per-need basis,” Coach Andy Murray said.

These days, Murray is working more on feel, which is partly why starter Felix Potvin was in goal against the Sharks for the second consecutive night after losing Monday night, 3-0, at Staples Center.

“There’s justification each way you look at it,” Murray said. “You just spin that wheel and hope you come up with the right answer.”

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All-Star defenseman Mathieu Schneider sat out for the fourth time in nine games, this time because of a bruised foot suffered Monday night when he got in the way of a shot by Ziggy Palffy. X-rays were negative, but Schneider reported more pain than expected Tuesday and was scheduled for an MRI exam today.... Murray said it was possible that Jason Allison, sidelined because of a strained hip flexor, could play Thursday night against the Ottawa Senators but didn’t sound optimistic.... Murray, asked if the seven players that have made their NHL debuts for the Kings this season shared any traits: “Usually all of them had a cell phone in their hand right after the game. They were calling home. It’s a big thing to play your first game.”

-- Jerry Crowe