Loktionov goes to Manchester, Parse ready to debut, Doughty gets tested
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Some tidbits from the Kings’ practice before I write a notebook that will appear later at www.latimes.com/sports...
Left wing Scott Parse, who injured a toe and his groin during training camp and has not played yet this season, is set to make his season debut Thursday when the Kings face the Tampa Bay Lightning at Staples Center.
He skated alongside center Anze Kopitar and right wing Dustin Brown on the Kings’ top line during Tuesday’s practice, and Coach Terry Murray pronounced Parse ready to go. To make room on the roster, Andrei Loktionov was sent to Manchester of the American Hockey League.
“I think we’re seeing all that we can see in practice right now. It’s time to get him into a game, give him an opportunity to play,” Murray said. “Hopefully he can make it through everything and just keep going. That would be the perfect scenario for us.
“He gets through today fine and tomorrow’s practice and I’m looking to get him in. It’s time.”
Parse said he feels good and is ready to go. “I’m just trying to get my legs,” he said.
Left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky missed practice because of the flu. If he can’t practice Wednesday he’s likely to sit out on Thursday. If he feels OK, Murray said he will have to decide who to scratch from the lineup. Brad Richardson took Ponikarovsky’s place with Michal Handzus and Wayne Simmonds on Tuesday.
Defenseman Drew Doughty practiced in a yellow no-contact jersey and was scheduled to undergo neurological tests to determine if he has fully recovered from the concussion he suffered Oct. 20.
Doughty said he had no problems after the lengthy session and extra skating that Murray ordered for everyone Tuesday.
“I feel good on the ice,” he said. “I just want to try and get back as soon as I can, but I’ve got to make sure I’m ready.”
We’ll pass along an update as soon as it’s available.
Also, Murray said he and General Manager Dean Lombardi came to no conclusion after meeting to discuss whether they will keep Brayden Schenn and Kyle Clifford or send the 19-year-olds back to their respective junior teams. Murray said he and Lombardi will reopen the topic soon. Schenn has played eight games and Clifford has played seven; they can each play nine games before the first year of their respective contracts would kick in.
-- Helene Elliott