Knee Injury Sidelines Gleason

Tim Gleason was scratched from the King lineup Saturday because of a left knee injury that has grown progressively worse this season.

Gleason, one of the team’s steadiest defensemen, injured the knee early in the season but has managed to stay in the lineup. He sat out only two games before missing Saturday’s against the St. Louis Blues.

“It got to the point where he needs a break,” Coach Andy Murray said.

Gleason did not skate the last two days and will not practice with the team today, Murray said. His status seems questionable for Monday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche.

“With three days off, he should be better,” Murray said. “He was better after the Olympic break, so a little rest helped before. It’s something he just has to battle through.”

Forward Pavol Demitra, meanwhile, seems no closer to returning. Demitra said that there was “little chance” he would play Monday, as he was still feeling the effects of a concussion suffered against the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday.

Jeff Cowan sat out his second consecutive game because of back spasms.

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Sean Avery, Nathan Dempsey and Brent Sopel were among 200 NHL players using pink sticks Saturday in a “Tribute to Hockey Moms,” a fundraiser for the fight against breast cancer. The sticks will be autographed and auctioned off at various fundraising events.