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Murray guides Blues in first meeting with former club

Jan 18, 2007 - 3:13 PM St Louis (17-21-8) at Los Angeles (16-26-6) 10:30 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Coach Andy Murray would like to keep his former club on their downward spiral.

Murray makes his return to the City of Stars for the first time Thursday when his St. Louis Blues visit the Los Angeles Kings.

Murray coached Los Angeles from 1999-2006, finishing as the franchise's all-time leader in wins (215) and games coached (480) before being fired on March 31.

Since taking over for Mike Kitchen on December 11, Murray has guided the Blues to an impressive 10-4-4 showing after their horrific 7-17-3 start.

Defenseman Eric Brewer collected one goal and two assists and Radek Dvorak chipped in three assists for the Blues in Tuesday's 6-2 victory over the Anahiem Ducks.

Los Angeles is coming off its fifth straight setback, a 6-2 pounding at the hands of the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday. Alexander Frolov and Tom Kostopoulos both tallied in the loss.

These clubs last met Saturday, with St. Louis holding on for a 6-5 triumph. Doug Weight and Dennis Wideman combined for two goals and four assists in the win.