KINGS NOTEBOOK: LAPERRIERE'S TRIP HOME TOUGH.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

TORONTO - Ian Laperriere is playing with a heavy heart these days, and not just because the Kings lost back-to-back games in his beloved Canada.

Laperriere learned recently his father Michel has had a relapse of cancer that was in remission for more than a year.

Michel Laperriere has been undergoing chemotherapy near the family home in Montreal. He saw his son Saturday when the Kings lost 3-1 to the Canadiens and will visit his son in Los Angeles this month.

``He doesn't look good,'' Laperriere said. ``He is such a wonderful man, and it hurts to see him this way. He has 10 days off from the chemo, so we are having him come out to see my wife and son. We all just hope for the best.''

Laperriere first revealed his father's condition on an emotional night early in the 2000 season after scoring a hat trick in a victory over the Boston Bruins.

Laperriere lives outside Montreal during the offseason with his wife, Magali, and infant son Tristan.

``Coming (to Canada) is always such a great time, seeing my family and friends,'' he said. ``But this time it was different. It was very hard.''

--Palffy better: Ziggy Palffy, limited to one goal this season, showed some of his old jump Tuesday when he recorded assists in the Kings' final two goals against the Maple Leafs.

Palffy has been struggling to regain his form after suffering a strained left groin that forced him out of six games last month. He also has been playing without Jason Allison, who is sidelined for two to three months with a severe knee injury.

``It's always good when you are involved in the goals,'' said Palffy, who has not scored since opening night. ``With Ally out, everybody has to work even harder. Tonight we did.''

Palffy has been playing beside rookie center Mike Cammalleri the past three games. Cammalleri is a native of Toronto and played Tuesday in front of dozens of family and friends.

``You know there is a lot of pressure when you are that young and playing in front of everyone you know,'' Palffy said. ``There has actually been a lot of people watching his first three games (in Canada), and I think he has handled it very well.''

--Injury update: Left winger Mikko Eloranta, expected to miss six weeks with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, will rejoin the team today in Vancouver, 10 days after suffering the injury in San Jose. Injuries to the MCL rarely require surgery, but Eloranta's recovery time is remarkable.

``We'll see how he feels when he gets there and then decide when to bring him back,'' Kings coach Andy Murray said.

A roster move could include placing enforcer Ken Belanger on injured reserve. Belanger has missed the past three games after suffering a concussion last Tuesday in San Jose.

Ryan Flinn, who impressed coaches and teammates with his fighting skills during a 10-game cameo last year with the Kings, has been out all season with a bulging disc in his lower back. The Kings are hopeful Finn can begin skating in 10 days to two weeks.