Garon Hasn’t Officially Won Goaltender Job

Mathieu Garon has not been assured the Kings’ No. 1 goaltender spot, Coach Andy Murray said Monday.

Garon and Jason LaBarbera will split Wednesday’s opener in Dallas and Thursday’s home opener against Phoenix, according to Murray. That, in part, was because the Kings play on consecutive nights. But, he added, “I have never said anyone was the No. 1 goaltender. We’re going to play the best one.”

It wasn’t clear whether this was a motivational ploy or if the sore groin that bothered Garon early in training camp had become worse. But Garon was surprised to hear the news after working under the impression that the job was his to lose.

“I don’t know, I haven’t talked to Andy yet, so I don’t know if I’m playing Wednesday or Thursday,” Garon said. “I’m just getting ready for the first game and if it’s the second game, I’ll be ready too.”

Murray was evasive on whether LaBarbera had been that impressive or Garon disappointing during camp. Asked if Garon would start the opener, Murray said, “Which opener?” Asked if Garon would be in the lineup Wednesday, Murray said, “All I can say is one [goaltender] may play 81 games and the other one game, but neither will play 82 games.”

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It is becoming increasingly likely that forward Valeri Bure, who has struggled with foot and back injuries, will start the season on injured reserve.

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Scott Niedermayer has yet to play a regular-season game for the Ducks, but the 2004 Norris Trophy winner will head into the season as the team’s captain.

The appointment by Coach Randy Carlyle is a nod to the leadership of the three-time Stanley Cup champion.

Niedermayer was the New Jersey Devils’ captain for the final half of the 2003-04 season.

Carlyle also named Sergei Federov and Rob Niedermayer as alternate captains.

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The Ducks acquired defenseman Bruno St. Jacques from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for right wing Craig Adams.