Just Let the Players Know When Business Is Booming

Preparation involved a meeting, an address by the Kings’ public relations folks.

“We wanted them to let us know when the explosions would be,” Coach Andy Murray said. “We didn’t want any surprises.”

With all of the hoopla and hype of opening night at Staples Center, there was, after all, a hockey game to win, and the last thing Murray wanted was the unexpected. Dealing with the Boston Bruins was enough.

“We measured the boards. Just like the Forum,” cracked Murray, who added, “Oh, wait. That was ‘Hoosiers,’ wasn’t it?”

Actually, the boards offered a sort of line of demarcation for the Kings.

“We said that everything from the boards down is our responsibility,” said Murray, holding his hand at about waist level. “Everything from here up is the responsibility of the marketing and public relations departments.”

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The Kings were still feeling their way around Staples Center this week.

“Everybody is walking around asking everybody else, ‘Which way is the weight room? Where is the training room?’ ” winger Steve McKenna said.

The facility includes a locker room, plus a “dressing room” with sofas and a television, weight room, training room with three rubbing tables and jacuzzis, equipment room, skate-sharpening and equipment repair room, Murray’s office, offices for the assistant coaches and a video room.

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The U.S. government has asked for more information on Finnish defenseman Jere Karalahti, who is being kept out of the country after his convictions on charges of possession and use of drugs about two years ago.

It’s about the 10th request for additional information, said Dave Taylor, senior vice president and general manager, who has been trying to get Karalahti in a Kings’ uniform since before training camp.

Until the case is settled, Karalahti is playing for a team in Helsinki. Two weeks ago, he suffered a concussion in a game at Manchester, England. He is playing again, Taylor said Wednesday.