KINGS NOTEBOOK: COACHING HOPEFULS ON PINS, NEEDLES.

Byline: Roger Phillips

Memorial Day is over, and the Fourth of July is three weeks away, but this will be a long weekend for the Kings' two remaining coaching candidates and for general manager Dave Taylor, who has an important decision to make.

Taylor, who has been choosing not to speak with reporters recently, narrowed his list of candidates Thursday to Long Beach Ice Dogs coach John Van Boxmeer and former Canadian national team coach Andy Murray.

Friday, before leaving Los Angeles for a coaching clinic in Calgary, the 48-year-old Murray said he is trying to keep his nerves in check as he awaits Taylor's decision.

``I've been through this process before,'' said Murray, a finalist for the Mighty Ducks' job a year ago. ``It's the same as coaching: You just do your best. There are certain things that are out of your control.

``There are only 28 of these jobs. They're tough to come by. It's something everybody aspires to. In my career, I aspired to coach the Canadian national team. There's only one of those jobs. It's always been my goal to coach at the NHL level. I would enjoy the opportunity to coach in Los Angeles.''

Murray spent this season coaching Shattuck St. Mary's, a Minnesota prep school, to a national championship. Murray is scheduled to return home to Minnesota on Sunday, and Taylor's decision is expected to come either this weekend or early next week.

Such Kings players as Rob Blake, Garry Galley and Ray Ferraro have played for Murray at various levels of competition.

Murray has been an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Winnipeg Jets (now the Phoenix Coyotes) and the Minnesota North Stars (now the Dallas Stars). He also won an American Hockey League title as a head coach in Hershey, Pa.

Murray said he also is in the running for two other NHL jobs, and though he wouldn't disclose where, it is believed the Coyotes and expansion Atlanta Thrashers are interested.

``I think (the Kings) have some things to think over,'' Murray said. ``I have some things to think over, also. Obviously, I appreciate the opportunity to interview and be considered for the job. This situation really excites me and I'm really impressed with the people I met.''

Murray said he has not been offered a contract, and it is believed the Kings have not discussed a contract with Van Boxmeer, either.

Asked to describe his style, Murray said, ``I'm known as a demanding coach. I don't ever believe that effort is optional. I believe you get from people what you expect of them. Every player thrives on discipline. I think you have to be clear on explaining what you want. Then, I think you have to be very strong on the level of accountability, as well.''

KINGS CANDIDATES

John Van Boxmeer, coach of the Long Beach Ice Dogs, the 1997 International Hockey League Western Conference champions and runners-up for the Turner Cup.

Andy Murray, former Canadian national team coach. Murray has been an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Winnipeg Jets (now the Phoenix Coyotes) and the Minnesota North Stars (now the Dallas Stars).

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Box: KINGS CANDIDATES (See text)