KINGS HOPE GOOD THINGS ARE IN STORR.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

Ten games into the Kings season, Jamie Storr has played one period.

Coach Andy Murray didn't plan it that way, but goalie Stephane Fiset has played well and Storr has had to wait his turn.

Storr, who will start tonight against Washington at the Staples Center, saw his only action in an Oct. 7 victory against Tampa Bay, when he left with a strained right groin. Doctors later found the pain was caused by an inflammation in his right hip. He missed 16 games last season with a strained left groin.

Twenty days and many workouts later Storr, is back, anxious to resume his competition with Fiset as the Kings' No. 1 goalie.

``I understand we need to go with the hot goalie,'' Storr said. ``If I hadn't left that game, I might have played the next six. But I realize that we are in this together and to win we have to sacrifice for the team.''

As the rest of the team met for more than an hour Monday at Iceoplex, Storr worked out with goaltender consultant Don Edwards. Storr now is pain free, but as the meeting inside dragged on, he was wondering when he might get a break.

``The problem with not playing is that all you see are practice shots,'' Edwards said. ``That can create bad habits. My job is to make sure Jamie maintains good mechanics. He showed them today and that will help him get back in the flow.''

Although he has been with the organization since 1994, Storr is only 23 and was considered a rookie last year when he played in 28 games. Although he was sidelined with the groin problem, he posted a 2.40 goals-against average, lowest on the Kings since Gary Edwards in 1974-75.

He had four shutouts and was named to the NHL's All-Rookie team.

After the injury almost three weeks ago, Storr stayed out of several games as a precaution. He originally was scheduled to play Sunday against San Jose, but when the Kings played poorly against Phoenix two days earlier, Murray elected to stay with Fiset as a confidence boost.

Murray said Monday he doesn't like to announce his goaltenders too far in advance. He also doesn't like to label one the starter and the other the backup. He said production will dictate playing time.

``I spoke to Jamie a lot during his time off and explained what we are trying to do,'' Murray said. ``For a young player, he was very patient and I appreciate that. Believe me, this is a long season. There will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to contribute.''

WASHINGTON vs. KINGS

Time: 7:30 p.m., Staples Center.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West; KRLA-AM (1110).

Matchup: This is a rematch of the Oct. 9 game that ended in a 2-2 tie after the Kings blew a two-goal lead. They almost lost it with 13 seconds to go when Stephane Fiset stopped Adam Oats on a two-on-one break. In the Capitals' last game, they blew a two-goal lead in a 2-2 tie with Phoenix. The Coyotes got two goals from Jeremy Roenick, who missed Friday's game against the Kings due to a suspension, after defensive breakdowns by the Caps, now 2-3-2. The Kings have the league's best power play and the Caps killed off 6 of 7 chances in their last two games after dropping to last in the NHL.

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BOX: Kings vs. Washington (see text)