Despite Past, Murray Is Wary of the Ducks

The Kings, 2-0 against the Mighty Ducks this season, will try to extend their winning streak when the teams face off in Anaheim tonight in the first of four January matchups between the teams.

Commenting on his team’s recent success against their Southland rivals, Coach Andy Murray said, “I don’t think we have their number, they are a great team, better than their point total right now. They will be a factor as the year goes on.”

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Left wing Luc Robitaille is one goal short of tying Marcel Dionne’s team record of 550. Robitaille nearly tied the record at San Jose on Friday, getting several good scoring chances, including hitting the post in the third period.

Robitaille has been getting more ice time, and Murray has noticed a recent improvement in his game. “He’s on the puck more, he’s quicker, there’s more battle in his game,” Murray said.

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Center Pavol Demitra, who is nursing a deep bruise on his right thigh, is not expected to be in the lineup tonight. Left wing Jeff Cowan is expected to return for the first time since missing 13 games with a hamstring injury. Right wing George Parros could return from an ankle injury to add some physical presence.

Sean Avery, the NHL’s leader in penalty minutes, filled Demitra’s spot on the top line with Craig Conroy and Alexander Frolov and scored a goal against San Jose.

“He’s a good offensive player, he’s got 10 goals,” Murray said. “I would say that he played better than his two linemates Friday night.”

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With as many as eight regulars missing time because of various ailments over the last two weeks, the Kings have had to raid their AHL affiliate in Manchester, N.H., for replacements.

Despite injuries, the Kings continue to find impressive understudies. Murray credits the organization’s consistency and philosophy.

“We’ll bring a guy up that afternoon to play that night and [assistant coach] Ray Bennett reviews the tactical things with the players and he is just so impressed with how these guys just nod their head because they know the system,” Murray said.

The Kings’ latest call-up, center Connor James, signed an NHL contract Wednesday and played in his first game Friday night. Murray credited James as being one the most effective players against San Jose.

“I got lucky really, playing in my first game.” James said, “It was unbelievable, you don’t realize how fast everything is, you watch it on TV and say, well I could have scored there. But then you go out there and you realize how big of a jump it is.”