Kings vie to bounce back against Canadiens

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03/06/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Coming off just their second regulation loss in 14 games, the Los Angeles Kings will try to post their first victory over the Montreal Canadiens in seven years tonight in a meeting at Staples Center.

The Kings came out of the Olympic break flying, as they posted a 5-1 win at Dallas on Tuesday. Los Angeles then concluded its mini-trip on Thursday with a 4-2 loss in Nashville to fall to only 11-2-1 in its last 14 games, but also one point behind Phoenix for fourth overall in the Western Conference.

"We were lacking in intensity and hard work," Kings forward Anze Kopitar said. "We took some lazy penalties and gave them the momentum."

Alexander Frolov scored for Los Angeles to give him three goals and nine points over his last seven games and Drew Doughty also scored for the Kings, who have won five of their last six at home. Jonathan Quick gave up three goals on 31 shots in the loss.

Forward Ryan Smyth hit a milestone in the setback, picking up his 700th career point with an assist on Doughty's goal.

The Kings will now try to halt a four-game slide to the Canadiens. Los Angeles dropped a 4-3 test in Montreal on January 31 of last season and hasn't bested the Habs since March 8, 2003.

Quick posted 22 saves in last season's loss, while Dustin Brown, Jarret Stoll and Michael Handzus all scored goals.

Montreal's current win streak over Los Angeles includes a pair of victories at the Staples Center. Goaltender Carey Price posted 29 saves in last year's home win and was solid as well on Thursday versus San Jose. However, he was beaten twice in a 2:33 span in the third period as the Habs dropped a 3-2 contest to the Sharks.

"He kept us in it and gave us a chance. I wish we could have gotten that win for him." Canadiens defenseman Hal Gill said of Price, who finished with 37 saves.

Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta each had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens, who have lost four of their last six and are now tied with Atlanta and the New York Rangers for the final playoff spot in the East, one point back of seventh-seeded Boston.

Montreal fell to 1-1-0 on a four-game road trip and has lost five of its last seven overall on the road. The Canadiens are 15-16-2 as the guest this season.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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