Palffy Returns After Missing Three Games

Ziggy Palffy gave Coach Andy Murray the good news after Wednesday’s morning skate: After sitting out three games because of a strained groin, the high-scoring winger was ready to return to the lineup.

“We’ll see how it’s going to go,” Palffy said before Wednesday night’s 3-3 tie against the Detroit Red Wings. “I don’t feel any pain, so no reason just to wait. We’ll see what’s going to happen. I want to play 100%.”

Palffy, who assisted on Mathieu Schneider’s second-period goal, led the Kings with five shots on goal in 22 minutes 42 seconds of playing time.

Palffy said he felt a pop in his groin during the second period of the Kings’ 3-2 victory over the Red Wings on Oct. 12 at Staples Center. He continued to play “and third period, all of a sudden, I couldn’t skate,” he said.

Still, the Kings were surprised that he was sidelined 10 days.

“These players know their own bodies, and we have to respect that,” Murray said. “We don’t ever doubt Ziggy. If he says he’s not right, he’s not right.”

And now that he’s right?

“I expect him to play better than he’s ever played,” Murray said. “He’s well rested, ready to go. If he says he can play, then he’s expected to play good.”