Grimson’s Packing a Powerful Punch

Stu Grimson of the Kings scored a one-punch knockout of Reid Simpson with 1:49 to play in Thursday’s 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues.

The two had tangled earlier, then Simpson called out Grimson when they went back on the ice from the penalty box. Grimson obliged, and the fight lasted only a couple of seconds, or one right cross.

“When two big boys in this weight class start to trade blows, that sort of thing can happen,” Grimson said.

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Glen Murray skated hard Thursday morning with an idea of returning to the lineup for Sunday’s game at Detroit.

But Murray’s conditioning had deteriorated since injuring a knee on Nov. 18 in a game against Colorado.

“You can ride a bike to China and it’s not going to get you ready for this,” said Murray.

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Ziggy Palffy, out since Dec. 19 because of a hamstring strain, skated again Thursday. The Kings are pointing toward his return on Jan. 4. . . . Goalie Stephane Fiset, who reinjured his left knee in a Dec. 23 game at Minnesota, is already doing drills that involving dropping to his knees as if to block shots, then getting up.

TONIGHT

at Dallas, 5:30 p.m.

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Reunion Arena.

* Radio--KSPN (1110).

* Records--Kings 16-13-7-1, Stars 20-10-4-1.

* Record vs. Stars--1-1.

* Update--Dallas winger Jamie Langenbrunner, who underwent abdominal surgery Wednesday, is lost for at least two months. His place is being taken by young Jon Sim, who has yet to score in 14 games.