KINGS UPDATE: TOP GUNS FIRING BLANKS.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - While Kings coach Andy Murray didn't want to overreact after his team suffered back-to-back shutouts for the first time since November 1999, the message during Friday's practice was clear.

His best players have not been so hot.

Forget for a moment that the Kings have not been shut out in three consecutive games since 1969. A more immediate concern is the Kings' power play, which is 0 for 11 the last two games - 3-0 losses to Philadelphia and Calgary.

The Flyers always play rugged defense and the Flames are improving, but the Kings entered those game as the league's highest-scoring team.

``Some of the guys just aren't playing hard enough,'' Murray said. ``Calgary is playing very well. They won twice in San Jose, won in Phoenix, won in Colorado and Dallas. They won at home against Detroit.

``Playing Philadelphia and Calgary were totally different games. But one thing is for sure. We are not getting the best out of this team.''

Against the Flyers, the Kings were coming off three consecutive road victories and five wins in their last six games. But Glen Murray, who has contributed offensively since returning from injured reserve (knee surgery) did not have a shot in that game.

Against the Flames, leading scorer Ziggy Palffy and Luc Robitaille missed early scoring chances and the team never recovered. Rob Blake has not had the hard shots from the point that create so much havoc in front of the net.

``You need those guys and they know it,'' Murray said.

The Kings (22-19-7) remain ninth in the Western Conference, two points behind Edmonton for the final playoff spot. But also they are just three points ahead of No. 10 Nashville.

KINGS vs. MINNESOTA

Time: 1 p.m., at Staples Center

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net 2; 1110-AM

Matchup: Any team that has been shut out in back-to-back games cannot afford to take an expansion team lightly. Especially when the Kings lost 4-2 in Minnesota back on Dec. 22. That was the night goaltender Stephane Fiset reinjured the torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee - he could be out another six weeks or longer. The Wild, which has been a formidable home team (11-8-7) is coming off a 5-0 victory at the Pond.

- Matt McHale

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Box: KINGS vs. MINNESOTA (see text)