Allison’s Pessimism Rankles Murray

Though he didn’t question its validity, Coach Andy Murray took exception to a comment by Jason Allison this week that the injured King center might not play again this season. Allison has been sidelined since Jan. 25 because of post-concussion symptoms.

“We want our players saying they’re going to be back,” Murray said. “Jason’s not a doctor. If it was Dr. Allison, then he could make that decision. But right now it’s just Jason.”

Amid speculation that neither Allison nor Adam Deadmarsh will return this season, General Manager Dave Taylor said, “I guess there’s that possibility.”

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Aaron Miller, the most marketable of the four Kings eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, said he is “pretty confident” that he and the club will reach agreement on a new contract before Tuesday’s noon trade deadline.

“But obviously I kind of want it on my terms,” said the veteran defenseman, who is believed to be seeking a deal similar to the four-year, $14.5-million contract signed by teammate Mattias Norstrom in September. “I think this is a pretty good situation for me, the only time I’ll ever be in a situation like this, and if we can both agree that would be great.”

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TONIGHT

vs. Montreal, 7, Fox Sports Net

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KSPN (710).

Records--Kings 28-31-4-4, Canadiens 24-28-8-8.

Record vs. Canadiens--0-1.

Update--Since the All-Star break, the Kings are 0-6 against teams that currently hold down playoff positions, 8-1 against those that don’t. Against the nonplayoff teams, Ziggy Palffy has nine goals and seven assists, Bryan Smolinski nine goals and five assists. Against the playoff teams, Palffy has two goals and five assists, Smolinski no goals and one assist. The Canadiens, 10th in the East, are winless in their last eight games.

Tickets--(888) 546-4752.