Shortening the Injury List

Ziggy Palffy, Randy Robitaille and Brad Chartrand joined the Kings here, but none was available to play.

“I think they’re knocking on the door in terms of being ready,” Coach Andy Murray said of the three players, who participated in the morning skate and an extended workout afterward at America West Arena. “It’s a way to get them mentally [prepared], getting them around the team rather than practicing by themselves.”

Murray said that Robitaille and Chartrand could return to the lineup any day. Robitaille has been sidelined since Dec. 3 because of a separated shoulder, Chartrand since Dec. 8 because of an abdominal injury.

Palffy has not played since suffering a broken rib below his collarbone while crashing into the boards Dec. 1. Murray sounded hopeful that Palffy could return this weekend.

No way, said Palffy.

“It’s getting better--a little better,” said the winger, whose left shoulder took the brunt of the blow. “It’s still a bit sore. The inflammation is still there. It’s only four weeks. Probably 10 more days I’ll be fine.”

Like Mathieu Schneider, Palffy hopes to return to the lineup during the Kings’ next trip, which starts Jan. 5 against the New York Islanders at Uniondale, N.Y.

TONIGHT

Mighty Ducks at Kings, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KSPN (1110).

Records--Kings 14-15-6-2, Ducks 13-19-4-3.

Season series--Kings lead, 2-0.

Update--Jamie Storr made a season-high 35 saves in the Kings’ 3-2 victory over the Ducks on Dec. 16.