Advertisement

Frolov, Demitra Still Recovering

Share
Times Staff Writer

The playing status of two of the Kings’ top scorers injured at the Olympics remained in doubt Friday.

Alexander Frolov, who suffered a separated shoulder, remains “week to week,” Coach Andy Murray said.

“He’s probably not going to play next week, but we’re hopeful he can start skating again” soon, Murray said.

Advertisement

But, Murray added, he doesn’t want to rush anything with the team’s fourth-leading scorer; Frolov has 49 points.

Pavol Demitra, tied for the team lead with 57 points, will be examined Monday morning, just before the Kings are scheduled to leave for a four-game trip. Demitra bled behind his right eye after being hit by a puck.

“If he gets the OK on Monday, he’ll fly to Minnesota with the team and play Tuesday,” Murray said.

*

The Vancouver Canucks are said to be pursuing Washington defenseman Brendan Witt, whom The Times reported Friday is also being sought by the Kings. Murray denied that the Kings were working on a deal for Witt.

“If we are, it’s news to me,” he said.

Murray did not deny a Times report that the team has asked about Florida goaltender Roberto Luongo.

“It’s fine to say we’ve ‘inquired’ ” about Luongo, Murray said, “but [not] to say we’re ‘dealing’ for him.”

Advertisement

*

Center Michael Cammalleri, who scored his 20th goal of the season against Minnesota on Thursday, attributed his steady improvement to experience.

“You can’t put a value” on playing time, he said. “You become a much better player with experience -- you kind of figure it out.”

Asked if reaching the 20-goal milestone had been a goal, he said, “I always set personal goals ... but they’re private. Team goals are the most important ones, and right now, that means making the playoffs.”

*

During the Olympic break, Jason LaBarbera and his girlfriend and Mathieu Garon and his wife went to Disneyland together. Since the two women don’t care for the rides, the two goaltenders went on them together, LaBarbera said. It’s a small crease, after all.

*

Times staff writer Chris Foster contributed to this report.

*

TODAY

vs. Columbus, 1 p.m., FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1110.

Records -- Kings 33-23-5, Blue Jackets 23-24-2.

Record vs. Blue Jackets -- 2-1-0.

Update -- With their next road victory, the Blue Jackets can tie a team record of nine in a season. The Kings will be looking to atone for a 7-4 loss at Columbus on Feb. 8, the last time the two teams met. Columbus has lost only nine of 24 games in regulation since Dec. 26.

Advertisement

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.

Advertisement