They will try to boost their anemic offense before Feb. 27 trading deadline, but the pickings are slim and the team is close to the salary cap. At some point promises to fans have to become results.

The Kings beat the clock once this season, scoring the winner against Columbus last Wednesday at Staples Center despite a one-second timing pause late in the third period (more on that later).

Late in their 107-102 victory in Orlando, the starting guard slips and falls to the court, injuring his Achilles' tendon.

Late in their 107-102 victory in Orlando, the starting guard slips and falls to the court, injuring his Achilles' tendon.

Kobe Bryant, who has 24 first-half points, makes only two of 12 shots in the second half. Andrew Bynum finishes with 20 points and 20 rebounds.

Kobe Bryant, who has 24 first-half points, makes only two of 12 shots in the second half. Andrew Bynum finishes with 20 points and 20 rebounds.

The NFL can address two of its most pressing problems by putting two new teams in Los Angeles and using the millions in expansion fees to take care of its ailing, virtually forgotten former players.

There are 366 days from this year's Super Bowl to the next, and there is a lot of work to do. Thank heavens it's leap year.

The QB, a.k.a. Eli Manning's big brother, appears headed for free agency. His future and those of collegians Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III look to be top NFL off-season story lines.

Reporting from Indianapolis   Next to his senior picture at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, a young Peyton Manning listed the typical cryptic acknowledgments and farewell shout-outs to friends, teachers, coaches and family. He also included this tidbit:

Edmonton's Sam Gagner has an elite week, including a four-goal, eight-point performance against Chicago on Thursday. Nevertheless, overall scoring is down again in the NHL.

Times columnist Helene Elliott rates the pluses and minuses in the NHL from the previous week: