Count on Modry to Catch the Lightning

Defenseman Jaroslav Modry played Thursday night against Tampa Bay, his first action in six games. Modry, who played in 14 of the Kings first 15 games but only twice since then, replaced Doug Zmolek in the lineup. It was the first game that Zmolek has missed this season while healthy; Modry’s last appearance also was against the Lightning last month.

The Kings are closer to getting defenseman Jan Vopat and left wing Barry Potomski back in the lineup. Both have been out most of the season because of back injuries but were able to skate this week in practice.

Goalie Jamie Storr backed up Byron Dafoe for the second consecutive game; Stephane Fiset did not dress because of an abdominal strain. Fiset may return for Saturday night’s game at the Forum against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche.

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Defenseman Sean O’Donnell received a rare game-misconduct penalty Thursday night when he was ejected because his jersey was not tied down and came out midway through the third period during a fight with Tampa Bay right wing Brantt Myhres.