Flyers’ Martin Biron stops Kings cold

PHILADELPHIA —  Coach Terry Murray was happy with the Kings’ effort Wednesday night, but Philadelphia Flyers goalie Martin Biron left them frustrated.

Biron made 34 saves for his second shutout of the season and 25th of his career, and Jeff Carter scored his 36th goal in the Flyers’ 2-0 victory over the Kings.

“We had our looks, we had our opportunities, but Marty was really good here,” Murray said. “It was a demanding game, and I was proud of our guys because we’re such a young team. We have to find a way.”

Carter’s goal held up for the Flyers, who beat Murray, their former coach. Murray led the Flyers to the 1997 Stanley Cup finals, and spent the last four seasons with them as an assistant coach.

With their seventh win in nine games, the Flyers moved to within four points of New Jersey for third place in the Eastern Conference.

Simon Gagne scored his 23rd goal, an empty-netter with a second left.

Biron was kept busy, though not seriously threatened. The Kings took only nine shots in the third period, failed to convert on five power plays and suffered another hit in their quest for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Carter gave the Philadelphia faithful a reason to make some noise toward the end of the second period.

Joffrey Lupul’s shot in front of Erik Ersberg appeared to bounce off the goalie’s shoulder, hit the post and skidded out toward Carter. Two defensemen and Lupul were in the crease, and Carter found a puck-sized hole between the three of them.

Carter had ended a season-worst five-game goal drought when he scored a night earlier at Washington.

Ersberg hasn’t won for the Kings since Dec. 13 against Minnesota.