by Sports Xchange

The Kings, who arguably have had the NHL's most grueling schedule in the first two months, fell apart in the third period of a 5-2 loss to Calgary on Saturday and now face another road trip, with games Wednesday at Edmonton and Thursday at Vancouver.

The Kings have played 24 games, one fewer than San Jose, and already have had two road trips of at least five games and two trips to the East Coast.

The schedule doesn't get any less imposing. The Kings face 13 games in 23 days starting Wednesday before they get a head-scratching weeklong break after a Dec. 17 game.

After Saturday's loss, coach Terry Murray did little to downplay the idea that he has a tired team but suggested fatigue shouldn't be used as an excuse.

"That's the way it is," Murray said. "You've got to deal with that part of the game, play intelligently and manage the puck properly. The travel, and the number of games you play, really has nothing to do with turning the puck over in the middle of the ice."

FLAMES 5, KINGS 2: With Team Canada chief Steve Yzerman looking on, Kings defenseman Drew Doughty bolstered his chances with a one-goal, one-assist effort, but countryman Jarome Iginla opened eyes with his ninth career hat trick. The turning point came early in the third period, when the Kings had a power play in a 2-2 game but allowed a shorthanded goal to Daymond Langkow.