Hunter gets another chance to shine

If you’re making a list of Kings players who need to have impressive efforts in tonight’s game, put Scott Parse’s name at the top, in big, bold letters. After two subpar performances and some public criticism from Terry Murray, Parse gets a third — and final? — chance to show that he deserves to hold down a third-line winger spot.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Trent Hunter, another candidate for that third-line spot, is also in the lineup tonight. Hunter, in camp under a professional-tryout agreement, is trying to come back after significant knee surgery and earn an NHL contract. Hunter played last night in Kansas City and gets another look tonight. Murray was asked for his assessment of Hunter’s camp thus far…

MURRAY: “His skating is really good. I know he had the operation and went through the time he missed last season. He worked extremely hard in the offseason to get himself back on top of his game. He has come in and proven that to us, that he’s in great shape. I thought, last night, he made some outstanding plays on some breakouts coming out of his own end, making plays off the boards. That’s as good as it gets, on four or five of those looks. So, his game has been good.’’