Smyth, Simmonds, Parse updates

First, the latest news. Scott Parse was on the ice today for the first time since he had hip surgery in November. Parse hit the ice in a practice jersey and sweat pants — and skates, of course — for some post-practice conditioning skating, but he’s still probably looking at an early-March return, at best.

On the other hand, the Kings were able to breathe two sighs of relief, as both Wayne Simmonds and Ryan Smyth are able to play tonight. Simmonds missed two games, but apparently had nothing more than some swelling and discomfort. Smyth required stitches to his lower leg after he was hit by a slap shot in practice yesterday, but he was back on the ice for today’s morning skate after some worrisome moments yesterday.

SMYTH: “I couldn’t feel my foot for a little while there. It was a pressure cut, and I had to get some stitches. It was right down by the shin pad, the outside of the shin pad above the skate. Not very comfortable.”

The Kings got the good news, on Monday, that Simmonds did not have any serious issues, but even Terry Murray was surprised at how quickly Simmonds returned.

MURRAY: “That’s a surprise for me, quite honestly. To be able to get on the ice yesterday for the full practice, and then come back today and have minimal swelling, that was great news. I talked to him in our meetings that we had this morning, and he felt good and wants to go. I asked him again on the ice, after his skate, so he will be in.”

Simmonds was grateful not to have a long-term injury…

SIMMONDS: “Thank God it wasn’t. When I went down, someone fell on my knee and then on my toe pick, and I just kind of went over. So that’s all it was. I’m good. It’s one of those things where it didn’t swell right off the bat, but the longer I sat there, and got my X-rays done, it just blew up. The swelling went down, so it looks pretty good and it feels good too.”