Visnovsky Fills Void Left by Schneider

It didn’t take long, and it didn’t require a trade or free-agent signing, but it appears the Kings have found a replacement for Mathieu Schneider.

Lubomir Visnovsky is tied for the NHL lead in scoring by defensemen and has become one of the Kings’ go-to guys on the power play.

His ice time has increased by more than five minutes a game, in part because of early-season injuries to defensemen Aaron Miller and Mattias Norstrom, but also because of his improved aggressiveness and power-play skills.

Visnovsky, 27, has been more than an adequate replacement for the offense-minded Schneider, who was traded to the Detroit Red Wings before last season’s trade deadline. Visnovsky has four goals, most among NHL defensemen, and 12 points, including nine power-play points.

“It’s not just his scoring, it’s his grit, his puck-movement skills,” King Coach Andy Murray said. “He’s just such a good hockey player.”

Visnovsky, the Kings’ fourth-round selection in 2000, was on the second power-play unit last season, but has been promoted to the top unit this season.

“I feel like we’re playing very good on the power play,” he said. “I’m getting more time on the ice right now. I feel better, more comfortable.”

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TONIGHT

at Washington, 4 PST, Fox Sports Net

Site -- MCI Center.

Radio -- KSPN (710).

Records -- Kings 7-5-0-1, Capitals 3-10-1-0.

Record vs. Capitals (2002-03) -- 1-0-0-0.

Update -- The Capitals are one of the league’s biggest disappointments. Goaltender Olaf Kolzig has struggled and their big scorers, Peter Bondra and Jaromir Jagr, have yet to get on track. The Kings have had their way with the Capitals in recent years, going 8-2-3-1 since 1995.