Murray and Stumpel Are Expected Back in the Lineup

The Kings were upbeat Saturday in their first workout at their new facility in El Segundo.

For one thing, it appears that winger Glen Murray will join center Jozef Stumpel in the lineup today against Colorado because both have recovered from injuries. Murray has had a bruised chest and Stumpel a bruised knee.

For another, most of the Kings had a short drive to practice after long-distance jaunts to the Iceoplex in the San Fernando Valley.

Stumpel’s return will allow him to be reunited with Ziggy Palffy and Luc Robitaille on a line that had 21 points in the season’s first five games before injuries struck all three.

And Murray will rejoin Bryan Smolinski on a line that has, at times, been the most potent of all of the units.

But Coach Andy Murray is looking beyond the return of Murray and Stumpel.

“Two reasons we should have an emotional lift,” he said. “The most important is that we’re in a battle for the playoffs. . . . And the second thing is we didn’t play particularly well against Dallas.”

The Kings who were riding high at the beginning of December have dropped to eighth in the Western Conference, and they quit counting playoff teams after that. They lost Thursday night to Dallas, 5-2.

The Kings have to make roster moves to accommodate Stumpel and Murray, but the moves were being held until their condition is assured before today’s game.

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To a man, the Kings praised their new facility, which includes a players’ lounge with a big-screen TV, a huge locker room, weight room, training room, good ice and proximity to most of their homes in the South Bay.

“It’s the nicest facility I’ve ever seen,” center Bob Corkum said. “A couple of years ago, Phoenix built one that I thought was best, but this is better.”

Corkum played for the Coyotes before coming to the Kings.

TODAY

vs. Colorado, 12:30 p.m.

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 19-19-7-3, Avalanche 24-17-7-1.

* Record vs. Avalanche--2-1.

* Update--Colorado got goals in the first few minutes of three games in a row before its scoreless tie Wednesday against San Jose. The Avalanche tied the Mighty Ducks, 3-3, Friday night. Against the Ducks, Colorado (8-1-3 in the last 12 games) lost a 3-2 lead and was outshot, 20-6, in the third period and overtime.

* Tickets--(888) 546-4752.