League Will Not Suspend Palffy for Spearing Erat

Ziggy Palffy escaped the wrath of the NHL, which won’t suspend the King winger for spearing Martin Erat of the Nashville Predators in the first period of Thursday night’s 3-2 loss. But Palffy didn’t escape Coach Andy Murray.

Palffy was ejected after taking a retaliatory shot at Erat, who a moment earlier had apparently tried to kick Palffy’s legs out from under him.

“It was a stupid thing for Ziggy to do,� Murray said Friday. “It was unnecessary and he was chastised for it by us because it hurt our team, not having him.�

Having said that, Murray disagreed with the call, saying Palffy should have been called for slashing.

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Jason Allison, back in the lineup Thursday after sitting out 15 games because of a knee injury, will continue his comeback tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets after making it through practice unscathed.

Original estimates said Allison would be sidelined eight to 12 weeks, but he made it back in two days past five weeks.

TONIGHT

vs. Columbus, 7:30, Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KSPN (1110).

Records -- Kings 10-8-4-3, Blue Jackets 9-13-2-2.

Record vs. Blue Jackets -- 0-1.

Update -- Adam Deadmarsh and Ian Laperriere, sidelined because of concussions, are expected to return for the Kings, but Craig Johnson will sit out again. He had stomach flu this week.

-- Jerry Crowe