L.A. Writers Nominate Robitaille

Luc Robitaille was nominated for the Masterton Trophy by the Los Angeles chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Assn. The award is given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. It honors the late Bill Masterton of the Minnesota North Stars, who died Jan. 15, 1968, of an injury suffered during a game.

“I love the game, so really that’s what it comes down to, the dedication you have,� said Robitaille, who turned 35 last month but leads the Kings with 33 goals and shares the scoring lead with Ziggy Palffy with 73 points. “It really means something when people recognize you.�

Robitaille, who ranks 13th in career goals with 586, said he feels good enough to play several more years. He will be an unrestricted free agent July 1, but he said the Kings have not approached him about a new deal.

“The thing for me is I want to play at the level I’m playing now. I don’t want to just hang around,� he said. “I feel positive I can play two or three more years at this level.�

*

In a bow to the hectic schedule, Coach Andy Murray scheduled only a brief meeting and optional skate Wednesday. “We talked about having to be better in certain areas, but we wanted to give the guys a mental break, and we’ll go after them [today],� he said.

He talks often to General Manager Dave Taylor, who is attending GM meetings at La Quinta, but said Taylor hasn’t made any trades. “I think Dave, like anybody else, has inquired about Michael Peca,� Murray said of Buffalo’s holdout center. “We all know he inquired about [Eric] Lindros. With [Jozef Stumpel] out, we do lack some depth at that position.�

Stumpel was placed on injured reserve because of a fractured rib. Goaltender Stephane Fiset was activated and loaned to Lowell of the American Hockey League for a rehabilitation assignment. Fiset sprained his left knee Dec. 22.

TONIGHT

vs. Nashville

7:30, Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KSPN (1110).

* Records--Kings 30-27-9-1, Predators 27-31-8-2.

* Record vs. Predators--1-1-1.

* Update--The Kings’ 4-3 victory over Montreal extended their home winning streak to a season-best three. However, Nashville is better on the road (15-14-1-2) than at home (12-17-7-0). King goalie Felix Potvin will make his ninth consecutive start. The Predators’ 3-7-1 slump has dropped them behind the West playoff pack. * Tickets--(888) 546-4752.