Palffy, Blake Hope to Play in Regular-Season Finale

It won’t help tonight against Dallas, but the Kings are getting closer to being a team that can score more than one goal a game.

Winger Ziggy Palffy, sidelined since March 15 because of a sprained shoulder, and defenseman Rob Blake, who suffered a bone bruise on his knee last Saturday, skated Thursday and are hoping to return Sunday for the regular-season finale against the Mighty Ducks at the Arrowhead Pond.

“This has been hard because of the playoffs,” said Blake, who got in 40 minutes of skating Thursday. He had tried to skate Tuesday and Wednesday but had to shut down each workout.

Palffy has been skating for several days while continuing to rehabilitate his shoulder, and also is getting antsy.

Both will try to get in at least one game before beginning the playoffs.

“If they can play, they will play,” Coach Andy Murray said.

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Defenseman Garry Galley could miss tonight’s game because wife Terry-Lynn is due to deliver the couple’s third child today.

If Galley is unable to play, the Kings are leaning toward bringing up Philippe Boucher from Long Beach of the IHL.

Boucher has missed most of this season after having two operations on his feet. He began skating about a month ago, before being sent out to the Ice Dogs.

TONIGHT

vs. Dallas, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 37-31-12-4, Stars 43-28-9-6.

* Record vs. Stars--1-4-0-1.

* Update--The Kings broke a 22-game winless streak against Dallas with a 3-2 victory Feb. 11, and they still have something to play for. A win tonight, coupled with a Phoenix loss to San Jose, clinches fifth place for the Kings and a first-round playoff date with Detroit. The Stars are 0-2-1-1 in their last three games, having scored two goals in each. The Kings are 1-1-2 in their last four games, and have scored five goals over that period. Jamie Storr will start in goal for the Kings.

* Tickets--(888) 546-4752 (singles only available).