Kings’ Jarret Stoll to return, Oscar Moller to sit

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Kings center Jarret Stoll, who missed Game 2 of the Kings’ playoff series against San Jose as punishment for a hit from behind on defenseman Ian White in the opener, was back centering for Ryan Smyth and Justin Williams in practice Monday. And that’s where Stoll is expected to be Tuesday, when the series moves to Staples Center after the teams split the first two games in San Jose.

Stoll’s return means Trevor Lewis, who moved up to the second line, will go back to the fourth line between Alexei Ponikarovsky and Kevin Westgarth, and that fourth-line fill-in Oscar Moller will be out of the lineup. Moller and injured forward Scott Parse wore gray jerseys, usually worn by spare players.

“Stoll’s an important player,” Coach Terry Murray said after the Kings practiced at their El Segundo training facility. “Certainly with his special-team play he’s a big contributor. We’re happy to have him back.”

Stoll said watching the Kings’ 4-0 victory in Game 2 allowed him to see some things he didn’t notice while in uniform.

“Just areas of the ice that are open and that are available,” he said. “I don’t think it’s anything new than what we didn’t know scouting this team, but you definitely see things. It was good to watch the game. I would have liked to have been out there playing but it was what it was and it’s over now and I’m looking forward to Game 3.”

Stoll also said he talked to White, who missed Saturday’s game but might possibly play Tuesday.

“I texted him and we chatted a couple times. He appreciated the texts and reaching out to him,” Stoll said. “I wanted to make sure I did that and letting him know that I didn’t mean to hurt him in any way.”

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-- Helene Elliott