Goaltenders’ Success Makes Choice Tough

Andy Murray, for the first time this season, had a hem-and-haw moment when asked who would start in goal in the Kings’ next game.

“We’re going to have to give that some thought,” Murray said.

This was the first time in the team’s mushrooming goaltender controversy that Murray seemed ready to publicly consider choosing between Jason LaBarbera and Mathieu Garon. Murray has flip-flopped the two game-for-game thus far.

Whether this was a move toward a decision or a red herring to keep everyone guessing, including the two goalies, is to be seen. It did leave the impression that Murray will go with LaBarbera on Wednesday at Dallas, giving the Kings the same goaltender in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

“It is a situation where we have played 12 games and we may need to look at where we’re at and what we need to do,” Murray said.

LaBarbera has put up numbers worthy of a No. 1 goaltender through his six starts. His .938 save percentage ranks him third in the NHL and his 1.70 goals-against average ranks him fourth.

Garon, who was acquired to be the No. 1 goalie in June 2004, has struggled more, though he has played against better teams. He has a .869 save percentage and 3.43 goals-against average.

As to whether he has earned the job, LaBarbera said: “I have no idea what Andy is going to do. I have played well so far and that’s all I can do. Maybe half the year goes by and I start struggling. It’s such a long year.”

*

Center Jeremy Roenick said the NHL was deciding whether to discipline him for comments he made Friday after the Kings’ loss to San Jose. Roenick complained long and loud after the 5-4 loss, saying that he was taken down in front of the net in the final two minutes, just before the Sharks scored the winning goal. No call was made.

“I don’t think I said anything derogatory,” Roenick said. “I haven’t said anything bad about the referees all season; in fact, I have been saying what a good job they have been doing. To fine me for one comment would be pretty [lousy]. I got mugged in front of the net.”

Roenick did admit he considered another form of protest after the play.

“I thought about throwing a water bottle, but that cost me $90,000 last time,” he said.

Roenick was fined and suspended for throwing a water bottle at an official during the 2003-04 season.

*

Center Derek Armstrong (groin) skated briefly Monday but did not participate in practice. He is not expected to travel on the Kings’ two-game trip to Dallas and Phoenix.