KINGS NOTEBOOK: THE GOAL IS COMPETITION.

Byline: Rich Hammond Staff Writer

DALLAS - There's a narrow line between competition and controversy, but Kings coach Andy Murray seems content to tread on it in regards to his goaltending situation.

After two days of secrecy, Murray finally announced Wednesday morning that ``the French-Canadian'' would start in net that night, which still left open the chance that Luc Robitaille would strap on the pads.

Mathieu Garon was the choice for the season opener against Dallas but Murray, who previously said that Garon and LaBarbera each would play on the Kings' first two games, hedged his bets a bit regarding whether LaBarbera would start tonight's home opener against Phoenix.

``That's the plan, but we always reserve the right to take a look at each individual game as it comes, and they know that,'' Murray said. ``In this situation, where you have two new guys, you don't know exactly what you have, so you have to give both guys an equal opportunity.

``It will sort itself out, and they both agree that the best guy should play.''

Although Murray explains all this by saying he never designated a No. 1 goalie, Kings management made it relatively clear that Garon had been their choice since they acquired him in July 2004. That means the competition/controversy truly can be seen as a positive only for LaBarbera.

At age 25 with only five NHL games, LaBarbera was buried in the New York Rangers' system before the Kings signed him on Aug. 2, but Murray raved about him even before training camp began.

LaBarbera was the MVP of the American Hockey League in 2003-04, when he had a 1.59 goals- against average and 13 shutouts in 59 games for Hartford. He had a 1.84 goals-against average last season.

``I thought (the job) was up for grabs (entering training camp),'' LaBarbera said. ``It's a long season and you never know what's going to happen. If we're both playing well, it's going to be good for the team for sure. We're both young guys, so we're both excited about what's in store for us.''

As for controversy, LaBarbera said he has a good relationship with Garon, who also is looking to be a No. 1 goalie for the first time in his career, and said he doesn't anticipate any problems.

``Everybody wants to play as many games as possible,'' LaBarbera said. ``In this situation, we're both young guys and both want an opportunity. Andy is going to go with whoever is playing well. I guess it's more motivational than anything. If you want to play, you have to play well.''

--Injury report: Mattias Norstrom, who had flu and a previously sore hamstring, didn't make the trip to Dallas but is eligible to come off the injured list at any time and might play tonight.

Jeff Cowan (groin) also missed Wednesday's game.