Garon Has Become Their Rock

BUFFALO, N.Y. —  Mathieu Garon is a huge reason why the Kings are one of the top teams in the Western Conference. He has been in goal for 20 of the Kings’ 28 victories and has recorded shutouts in his last two wins.

“It’s my job to make those key saves,” said Garon, who blanked Boston with 30 saves in a 6-0 win on Thursday. “That’s what I’m supposed to do.”

Last season, Garon played on the Kings’ minor-league affiliate team in Manchester and established Monarch records for wins (32) and shutouts (eight).

Early this season, Garon lost three of his first five starts while alternating with Jason LaBarbera. Since then, Garon has given up three goals or fewer in 19 of his last 21 appearances.

Coach Andy Murray said that Garon is at his best when he’s aggressive and patient. Murray likes it when Garon moves out to challenge shooters but doesn’t commit too early.

“I’m trying to be more patient,” Garon said.

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Defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, who did not play in the third period at Boston because he did not feel well, returned to Los Angeles on Friday to be examined by Dr. Michael Mellman. Although Visnovsky suffered from flu-like symptoms Thursday, he was checked for a concussion after Monday’s 6-2 loss to the Mighty Ducks.

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Marc Potvin, a role player for the Kings during their run to the 1993 Stanley Cup finals, was found dead in his hotel room in Kalamazoo, Mich., Friday.

Potvin, 38, was there coaching Adirondack of the United Hockey League. There was no evidence of foul play. The cause of death was not yet known.

“He was a big, strong kid who played on the energy line,” said King General Manager Dave Taylor, who played with Potvin while he was with the Kings. “He was the type of guy who would drop the gloves for a teammate.”

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TONIGHT

at Buffalo, 4:30 PST, FSN West

Site -- HSBC Arena.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Kings 28-16-2, Sabres 27-13-3.

Record vs. Sabres (2003-04) -- 0-2-0.

Update -- Buffalo center Adam Mair will not play because of a concussion suffered Thursday against Phoenix.

Chris Foster contributed to this report.