Murray on Players’ Minds

PITTSBURGH —  According to King General Manager Dave Taylor, the results of Coach Andy Murray’s recent MRI exam were good. Murray, who is suffering from post-concussion syndrome after a car accident, did not show any bleeding on the brain.

Murray’s return, however, is uncertain, which remains a concern to his players.

“For me personally, hockey has become secondary,” King captain Mattias Norstrom said before the Kings’ 5-4 victory over Pittsburgh on Wednesday. “What happens with us is secondary to his health. There are more important things in life than hockey and that is your health and your family. It’s important.”

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If interim Coach Dave Tippett seems at ease in his new role while Murray recovers, it’s because he’s been a successful head coach before. Tippett compiled a 165-85 record with Houston in the International Hockey League and led the Aeros to the Turner Cup championship in 1999.

“If I hadn’t been a coach and been in some tough situations before, I would be thinking a lot more about it,” Tippett said. “I guess that’s why I feel very comfortable.”

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Ted Donato, claimed off waivers from the New York Islanders on Jan. 30, played for the first time with the Kings.