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The Los Angeles Kings are looking to make the final push toward the NHL playoffs, and secure their spot for a chance at another magical run at the Stanley Cup. However, they might have to do that without their veteran defenseman Drew Doughty. It's been reported that the Kings are unsure if Doughty will be able to play again this regular season, if at all.
Kings unsure if Doughty will be back this season https://t.co/QajYooxvZ6
— NHL on Scoreboard Page (@NHLonSP) March 22, 2022
Doughty has already missed the Kings' last six games after sustaining an upper-body injury. Los Angeles general manager Rob Blake was asked if Doughty will return this season. His response did not inspire a ton of confidence, noted by NHL.com writer Dan Greenspan.
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“It's a little early to say… I think we'll exhaust every option possible. I mean, he's out there skating now but not participating in drills and things. That'll be an assessment with the doctor in the next few days to understand the next step to see if he can come back and play.”
The Kings enter Tuesday night's action with 76 points, in second place in the Pacific Division. The top three teams in each division automatically qualify for the playoffs. But it is a tight race. The Edmonton Oilers and Las Vegas Golden Knights are both within four points of the Kings in the division. If Los Angeles were to fall to fourth, the fight for a wild card spot is just as tightly contested in the western conference.
Doughty leads all Kings defenseman this season with seven goals, 24 assists and 31 points. But his veteran presence on the blue line might be what hurts the most. This might have been what prompted the Kings to acquire a defenseman at the trade deadline. Los Angeles traded for Detroit Red Wings blue-liner Troy Stecher on Sunday.
