Progress Is Slow for Deadmarsh, Allison

Although the Kings sit atop the Pacific Division as they begin a three-game homestand tonight, their medical woes show no signs of abating.

Adam Deadmarsh, who appeared to be making significant progress in shaking the post-concussion symptoms that have dogged him since last December, didn’t feel well when he arrived at HealthSouth training center Wednesday and skated only briefly before leaving the ice, according to Coach Andy Murray.

“He went out a little bit and didn’t feel as good and got off,” Murray said. “That’s the way he’s supposed to be. Whenever he doesn’t feel quite right, he’s supposed to get off right away.”

Murray said he hoped Deadmarsh might skate today but added, “I don’t know.” The gritty winger has had some setbacks but had been skating with the team for several weeks, albeit without contact.

“So much of this is uncharted territory for everybody,” Murray said of Deadmarsh, who left without talking to reporters.

And although center Jason Allison said he feels better since being prescribed medication to ease post-traumatic migraine symptoms that have impaired his vision and kept him out of the lineup, he’s no more certain of his return than at any point in his long journey back to health.

Allison said that while the medication has helped, “I can’t necessarily play on it and might have to get off it before I start playing.” He also said it’s not certain the post-traumatic migraine diagnosis is correct, although “it makes sense.” He had previously been told he had a concussion and that he’d had whiplash.

“I’m not in game shape, and I haven’t done any contact drills,” said Allison, who hasn’t played since January. “It will probably be a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Who knows?”

Allison had said Nov. 1 that his recovery “could be weeks, it could be months,” so his assessment Wednesday represented no obvious advance. However, he said after skating Wednesday he believes he has made progress.

“It’s been slow, and I just have to wait it out,” he said. “The team’s doing a great job and playing well, and that makes it easier when you’re not able to play.”

Allison said he was told his levels of serotonin -- a chemical within the brain that can affect mood -- were off because of the headaches he suffered. “It’s not actually the injury that’s keeping me out. It’s a chemical imbalance I’ve had because of the injury,” he said. “Hopefully [the medication] can help speed up the process.... I’m healthy now, theoretically, other than these visual symptoms. I’m skating better.

“I’d feel comfortable going out there taking a hit mentally, without thinking I’d get hurt again, but it’s the fact I couldn’t play when I get symptoms. That’s what’s been holding me back, I’m still getting those symptoms.”

Murray also said center Jozef Stumpel, who suffered a chest bruise Oct. 25, might be able to play next week. Stumpel skated with a group of injured players Wednesday.

*

The progression from promising rookie to consistent contributor is a difficult road, and winger Alexander Frolov is traversing it slowly.

“The second year is harder than the first because people expect something of you, especially if you have a good first year,” said Frolov, who had 14 goals and 31 points in 79 games last season. “You have to be better and better.”

In the last five games, however, Frolov has shown more of the savvy he displayed last season. Since being put alongside Trent Klatt and Brad Chartrand, Frolov has two goals and two assists, Klatt has scored three goals, and Chartrand has two assists.

*

Tonight’s game is the first of three in a row at home, not necessarily good news because the Kings are 3-4-0-0 at home and 5-1-0-1 on the road. However, that’s not how Murray sees it.

“I don’t think we played any better on the road than we played at home on the last homestand,” he said. “We should be better than what we are at home point-wise. We’re not, but I think on the road it was a carry-over of the way we played the last three home games.”

Murray also said defenseman Maxim Kuznetsov, who joined the team last week after resolving visa problems, is “still a ways away from playing.” Kuznetsov will undergo fitness testing today or Friday to gauge his progress.

*

TONIGHT

vs. Toronto, 7:30, Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KSPN (710).

Records -- Kings 8-5-0-1, Maple Leafs 7-5-3-1.

Record vs. Maple Leafs (2002-03) -- 0-0-0-1.

Update -- King defenseman Joe Corvo, although eligible to return from his team-imposed suspension, hasn’t been able to crack the lineup, Murray said.... After a 7-1 home loss to Buffalo Nov. 1, the Maple Leafs regrouped and went on a 3-1-1 streak. Veteran center Joe Nieuwendyk, signed as a free agent, is doubtful for tonight’s game because of back spasms.