KINGS NOTEBOOK: GAPING HOLE IN KINGS LINEUP AS PALFFY GETS HAMSTRUNG.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

DENVER - The bad news got worse Wednesday for the slumping Kings, who placed high-scoring winger Ziggy Palffy on injured reserve with a tear in his right hamstring.

The Kings were hoping to bring Palffy, the league's leading scorer most of the year, on their brief trip that begins tonight against the mighty Colorado Avalanche. But Palffy underwent a second MRI on Tuesday, revealing more damage than doctors saw after he was injured in the first period of Saturday's loss to Tampa Bay.

The club, winless during its three-game homestand, hopes Palffy can return in time for a critical year-end trip that includes games against most of the league's elite teams.

``It is tough to sit in the stands and watch,'' Palffy said, alluding to Tuesday's 7-6 overtime loss to the second-year Atlanta Thrashers. ``You want to be out there helping any way you can.''

Palffy, a three-time 40-goal scorer, has been enjoying a career year. He has dropped out of the league scoring lead since his injury. But his 21 goals and 46 points put him on a pace for more than 50 goals and 100 points.

``I went into the corner and all the weight went on the one leg,'' he said. ``I tried to skate on it Monday, but it was tough. I'm not sure when I'll be back.''

The injury also comes at a time when the Kings need all the help they can get. Although the offense has continued to score in Palffy's absence, the defense fell apart during their last homestand.

The Kings allowed 16 goals in three games (0-2-1). Starting goaltender Stephane Fiset was pulled during the second period in two of the three games. He will be replaced tonight by Jamie Storr, who faced 47 shots Nov. 18 in a 6-4 victory over the Avalanche at Staples Center.

``When you lose Ziggy, it changes the team,'' Fiset said. ``But we need to refocus and get back to work. We can overcome this.''

The Kings are hoping to get back center Jozef Stumpel for tonight's game. Stumpel missed two games (both losses) after breaking the little toe on his right foot last Thursday against the New York Rangers. Stumpel reports the swelling and discomfort have subsided.

After Christmas, the Kings play Pacific-leading San Jose, then go on the road for games against St. Louis, Dallas, Detroit and Colorado - the top four teams in the Western Conference.

--The morning after: Coach Andy Murray put the Kings through a quick but rigorous workout at their training facility before leaving for Denver.

He did not address the team after Tuesday's loss and waited until arriving in Denver before sharing his thoughts.

``We cheated,'' Murray said of the homestand. ``We cheated ourselves and we cheated the fans. We cheated in the way we played. We have to play honest. Isn't there a saying: Cheaters never win. Offense is talent, defense is hard work. Maybe we thought we could just blow through those teams, but they proved that wasn't true. And I cheated by not preparing them well enough.

``Good teams have bad nights, but they recognize the problems, make the adjustments and keep moving forward.''

Fiset, who might play Friday in Minnesota if Storr falters, said the Kings have a lot of work ahead.

``Nobody is losing in this conference,'' said Fiset, the only player to meet with Murray before practice. ``We can't let this happen. I feel a little better today, but I don't look around the (dressing) room, I look at myself. I got some bad luck and it just went downhill from there. The bottom line was the puck wasn't hitting me.''

KINGS vs. COLORADO

Time: 6 p.m., at Pepsi Center.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net; 1110-AM.

Matchup: The Kings aren't the only team in a slump. The Avalanche is winless in its last four at home, including a 3-0 loss to Calgary on Tuesday. Before the skid, Colorado was 12-1-1 at home this year. They still entered Wednesday's action with the best record in the NHL. Before Tuesday, they had beaten Calgary eight in a row by a 36-12 margin. The Avalanche replaced Alex Tanguay with Peter Forsberg as the left wing on the top line with Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk, moving Chris Drury from left wing to center alongside Tanguay and Adam Deadmarsh on the other line. The Kings aren't certain who will replace Ziggy Palffy on the first line. Luc Robitaille, who missed Wednesday's practice because of illness, is being considered. Jason Blake has played well in that spot in two games since returning from the minors.

- Matt McHale

CAPTION(S):

box

Box: KINGS vs. COLORADO (see text)