Stumpel’s Return Should Boost Offense

The Kings’ offense should get a boost today with the return of center Jozef Stumpel, the team’s leading scorer, from a bruised kidney suffered March 5.

Stumpel, who has sat out the last four games, practiced Friday and said his only problem will be his wind after not working out for five days.

“I am able to do everything, I’m ready to play,” Stumpel said. “The key for me is that I’m going to be a little bit tired. I am going to have to play myself back into shape.”

In 59 games, Stumpel has 44 assists and 63 points.

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Defenseman Aki Berg, who sat out Thursday’s game because of a sprained wrist, is listed as day to day along with center Nathan LaFayette, who has sat out four games because of post-concussion syndrome. Defenseman Doug Zmolek (shoulder), goaltender Frederic Chabot (knee) and Luc Robitaille (groin/abdomen) are still weeks away from returning.

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Before today’s game, the Kings will play host to the first Hot Rod Fun Run from Chatsworth to Inglewood. Street rods, customs, sport and classic trucks and sport compact cars will be displayed in the Forum parking lot before the game.

TODAY

vs.

Colorado

* Noon

* Ch. 11

Site--Great Western Forum.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Kings 30-23-11, Avalanche 34-17-16.

Record vs. Avalanche--1-1.

Update--The Kings’ power play was zero for eight in a 2-1 loss to Toronto on Thursday after going five for 14 during a three-game winning streak. Vitali Yachmenev played well in his first game as a King this season. The Kings have not lost two games in a row since Dec. 23-27. Peter Forsberg leads Colorado with 22 goals and 81 points. Colorado’s Joe Sakic, who suffered a knee injury in the Olympics, is still out. Goaltender Patrick Roy is 27-13-12 with a .919 save percentage.