Johnson Going Through Motions

Winger Matt Johnson skated in the Kings’ practice Tuesday, participating in every drill, but you could tell his heart wasn’t in it.

Johnson has no game to prepare for until Dec. 22, and it’s hard to be enthusiastic about a practice session with no reward in the offing.

He was suspended for 12 games Monday by the NHL for hitting the Rangers’ Jeff Beukeboom in a game at the Forum last Thursday, and that suspension carries with it the forfeiture of $95,121.95 in salary.

It’s tax deductible, but not exactly a write-off he sought.

“I have just two things to say about it,” he said. “One, I never wanted to hurt him. And two, I did think the suspension was quite severe.”

Beukeboom suffered a concussion in the incident and has not played since.

Johnson does not plan to appeal--he said Tuesday he didn’t even know that he could appeal.

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Goalie Jamie Storr skated with the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Tuesday morning with the idea of playing for them later that night.

But after experiencing trouble with his injured groin, he was scratched for the game and the Kings sent down goalie Manny Legace as a backup. Legace likely will be returned to the King roster today and remain there until it is certain that goalies Stephane Fiset and Storr are ready to play.

Ryan Bach, who backed up Legace when both Fiset and Storr were injured, has suffered a groin injury with Long Beach.

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Center Jozef Stumpel skated in practice Tuesday for the first time in a week. He is nursing an ankle injury. . . . Defenseman Doug Bodger has been cleared for full practice and expects to play Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues. . . . Winger Sandy Moger remains sidelined because of a back strain.