KINGS NOTEBOOK: KINGS PLACE PALFFY ON INJURED RESERVE.

Byline: Matthew Kredell Staff Writer

Ziggy Palffy, who the Kings hoped would return to action Saturday night, instead was placed on injured reserve with a strained groin muscle.

The move is retroactive to Oct. 13, meaning Palffy will be eligible to play Wednesday in Detroit. Saturday's game against Vancouver was the third in a row missed by Palffy.

Kings coach Andy Murray didn't make the decision until after practice Saturday morning.

``We determined that it's best if he not play and that he rests it for the next three days,'' Murray said. ``He's close to 90 percent. But it's difficult to play with a 90 percent groin. It almost has to be close to 100 percent. You don't want 90 to all of a sudden go back to 60.''

Alexander Frolov, a 20-year-old rookie, moved up to the front line to play with Jason Allison and Adam Deadmarsh for the first time. Palffy's replacement in the previous two games, Jaroslav Bednar, was available but hindered by a hyperextended elbow.

Palffy, who led the Kings with 32 goals last season, has a history of injuries. The right wing missed 45 games in the past three seasons, including 19 games last year.

To take Palffy's place on the roster, the Kings recalled center Derek Armstrong from Manchester of the American Hockey League.

``He was the best player in camp who didn't stay and, in the two games that Manchester played, he's been the best player,'' Murray said. ``So it was an automatic (choice) because we want to reward people.''

Armstrong had a hat trick in one of two games with Manchester. The 29-year-old has nine career goals in short stints with the New York Islanders, New York Rangers and Ottawa. Last season, he played in the Swiss Elite League.

``They said they would give me an opportunity and they definitely have,'' Armstrong said of the Kings. ``I'm glad I came back (to the United States) for sure. I'm happy for the opportunity. I'll see what coach Murray wants me to do and just try to bring some energy.''

--Quick healer: Bryan Smolinski, thought to be out for at least a week Friday, made an early recovery from a deep thigh bruise and played Saturday for the Kings.

Smolinski said he couldn't walk Friday and woke up Saturday skeptical of improvement. However, after the morning skate-around, he told the coaching staff he was ready to go.

``I expected to miss the game (Saturday) but the soreness subsided,'' Smolinski said. ``There's still some pain there but nothing I can't tolerate.''

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ZIGGY PALFFY

Kings scoring leader last season will be on injured reserve with a strained groin muscle.