Miller’s Back Still a Pain

Defenseman Aaron Miller had no structural damage in his back, an examination by a specialist determined, but his playing status is week to week, according to King officials.

Miller, who was selected to play in the Olympics, is also cause for concern for Team USA officials, who are monitoring the situation.

A Team USA official said that a player can be replaced because of injury up until the time the team leaves for the Games. At the Turin Olympics, a team will be limited to three replacements because of injuries.

Miller received an anti-inflammatory injection Wednesday, a day after seeing noted back specialist Robert Watkins. Miller has sat out the last three games because of back pains, which are something he said he has “lived with the past few seasons.” But the examination revealed no damage that would require surgery, King officials said.

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Sean Avery and Colorado’s Ian Laperriere had an oral confrontation at the end of the Kings’ 5-3 victory over Colorado. Laperriere skated to Avery after the game ended and barked at him, with Avery woofing in return before slashing at Laperriere’s stick.

Laperriere was one of the first to react angrily in response to Avery’s comments in September about French-Canadian players who wear visors. Laperriere, a French Canadian who does not wear a visor, has refused to comment about Avery, while Avery has taken a different route.

Asked what Laperriere said at the end of the game, Avery said, “I don’t know, he’s retarded. How many times can [he] drop his gloves? It’s safe to say I got him off his game.”

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Michael Cammalleri’s goal to give the Kings a 1-0 lead in the first period extended his goal-scoring streak to four games. He has seven goals in the last nine games.... Lubomir Visnovsky’s first period goal extended to nine games, but was his first goal in 19 games.

KINGS TONIGHT

at Phoenix, 6 PST

Site -- Glendale Arena.

Radio -- 1110.

Records -- Kings 24-14-1, Coyotes 19-17-2.

Record vs. Coyotes -- 2-1-0.

Update -- Phoenix is without forwards Mike Leclerc (knee surgery), Tyson Nash (abdominal surgery) and Oleg Saprykin (sprained knee). Forward Petr Nedved is day-to-day with a strained groin. Jason LaBarbera could be in goal tonight for the Kings, his first start since facing Washington in a 3-2 loss Dec. 14.