Playing Status for Demitra Still Uncertain

Pavol Demitra’s status remains unclear, as the King forward still needs to be cleared by doctors before being allowed to play.

Demitra, who has sat out eight games because of a concussion, will undergo a baseline test today, but said he probably won’t play in tonight’s game against Vancouver at Staples Center. Demitra said he failed to pass the same test Saturday.

The Kings, who are fighting to get back in a playoff spot, were hoping to have Demitra’s considerable offensive skills in the lineup. Coach John Torchetti said Demitra was day-to-day.

“I thought I did well, but they said my brain is not good,” said Demitra, who also underwent surgery to have a broken nose repaired and his nasal passage cleared last week. “They tell me words and numbers and I have to repeat them. They said I was responding too slow.”

Demitra has missed 22 of the last 30 games with injuries, one of the reasons the Kings have dropped out of a Western Conference playoff position. He was the team leader in goals and points when he was injured and still ranks second with 22 goals and third with 57 points.

“I can’t even participate in contact drills until I get cleared,” Demitra said. “I felt really good out there today [in practice]. I was at my best. But I have to pass this test.”

Asked if there was any way around it, Demitra said, “Well, if someone shaved their head and went and took it for me, yeah.”

TONIGHT

vs. Vancouver, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Kings 39-31-5, Canucks 40-29-7.

Record vs. Canucks -- 2-1-0

Update -- The Kings will play four games in the next six days, all against teams ahead of them in the standings -- Vancouver, the Mighty Ducks and the San Jose Sharks. Aaron Miller (back injury), Derek Armstrong (back injury), Nathan Dempsey (concussion) and Eric Belanger (concussion) are all doubtful for tonight’s game. The Kings are expected to recall forward Konstantin Pushkarev and defenseman Richard Petiot from Manchester, their American Hockey League franchise.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.