MRI Shows Robitaille Has to Remain Patient

Winger Luc Robitaille got his wish Monday morning: an MRI report that said he was on the mend and permission to skate.

While his teammates went through their daily ritual, then departed for Denver for tonight’s game against the Avalanche, Robitaille went onto the Iceoplex ice for a couple of minutes.

It was the first time he has skated since learning he had a broken bone in his left foot Nov. 4.

The prognosis on Robitaille has not changed, despite his desire to shorten his time off the ice. He is expected to be out one to four more weeks.

*

After pondering a line change over the weekend, Coach Andy Murray had winger Ziggy Palffy rejoin Vladimir Tsyplakov and Len Barrie, and put Donald Audette back with Bryan Smolinski and Glen Murray. Palffy and Audette had exchanged linemates during the third period of Saturday’s 5-3 loss to Montreal.

TONIGHT

at Colorado, 6 PST

ESPN2

* Site--Pepsi Center.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 12-6-4-0, Avalanche 9-9-3-1.

* Record vs. Avalanche--1-0.

* Update--Before Monday night’s victory at Dallas, Colorado was three defensemen shy, with Alexei Gusarov having broken a finger Friday night. He joins Aaron Miller and Adam Foote on the sideline. Also sitting out is center Joe Sakic, sidelined when Colorado lost at Staples Center, 5-2, Nov. 11. The Avalanche is 2-2-1 in its last five games after Monday’s victory over the the Stars.