Simon Gagne traveling long road back to LA lineup

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Simon Gagne is expected to return to the Los Angeles Kings’ lineup for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Gagne hasn’t played since Dec. 26, when the veteran left wing was sidelined by his latest concussion.

He is in his first season with the Kings, who signed the seven-time 20-goal scorer as a free agent.

The Kings repeatedly downplayed any notion Gagne could play in the postseason, but he was cleared for full contact last month.

Gagne’s scoring ability could be a boon to the Kings’ power play, which has been sub-par during Los Angeles’ otherwise stellar postseason run. The Kings entered Game 3 at 6 for 77 on the power play in the playoffs.

Gagne is expected to take Brad Richardson’s lineup spot.