His Head Much Clearer, Storr Takes a Few Shots

Goalie Jamie Storr faced shots for the first time in 3 1/2 weeks during Monday’s practice. He also faced a headache.

That’s a good thing.

“When I started riding the [stationary] bike for the first time, I felt pressure in my head after it,” said Storr, who suffered a concussion Dec. 11 in a game at Montreal, then played in games at New Jersey and against the New York Rangers, being shelled in each, before going on injured reserve.

“Then the next time I rode the bike, the pressure was less. And then there was no pressure.

“I think in each different exercise [of his recovery], that’s going to be the case.”

And in that case, he can’t wait for practice today, anticipating a clear-headed Wednesday.

“Sometimes when you’ve been off, your mind knows where to go [when you return to the ice], but your body lags behind,” he said. “Your reactions can be slow. I was happy with the way it went today.”

Ahead, probably some time next week, lies a game, maybe two, with Long Beach before a return to the Kings. He has always resisted going to the Ice Dogs, even when he has been out for long stretches, because of the play of Stephane Fiset.

Not this time.

“I’ve proven what I can do in this league, and I’ll continue to prove it,” Storr said. “To have the opportunity to take a 30-minute drive and play without pressure, regardless of the outcome . . . is almost a way to cheat a bit. To throw out those stats, if I don’t play well. Because here, everything is going to be monitored for the rest of my life.”

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Coach Andy Murray cast his vote for the most valuable King of the first half of the season, tabbing trainer Pete Demers.

“He’s the guy who’s done the most work, him and his staff,” said Murray, acknowledging the number of injuries the Kings have suffered.

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King defenseman Garry Galley has been cleared to play, but will not join the lineup tonight for the game against Ottawa because the Kings have played so well defensively in their last two games. . . . Center Ian Laperriere (knee) and winger Craig Johnson (thumb) should be available to play.

TONIGHT

vs. Ottawa, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 18-15-7-2, Senators 21-14-6-2.

* Record vs. Senators (1998-99)--1-1.

* Update--Nobody is happier to see the Kings out of the Great Western Forum than Ottawa, which never won there in six games. The Senators are led by Shawn McEachern, who has 16 goals and 15 assists in 41 games; and Daniel Alfredsson, who missed 20 games because of a torn knee ligament, but who is on a nine-game point streak (two goals, 14 assists), longest active streak in the NHL.

* Tickets--(888) 546-4752