It was announced today that Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty is done for the entire season. This is because he got wrist surgery. However, he is expected to make a full recovery for next season. This is still a massive loss for a Los Angeles team that has hopes of making the playoffs.
Defenseman Drew Doughty underwent successful wrist surgery today & will not return this season.
He is expected to make a full recovery for next season. pic.twitter.com/vNtgSZ1fS9
— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 11, 2022
Defenceman Drew Doughty Done for Season
As stated above, this is a critical loss for the Kings. Doughty is the heart and soul of the team and the first face many think of when they think of the Kings today. The Kings have had a very surprising year, they currently sit third in the Pacific division and are just two points up on a playoff spot. No one thought they would be a lock for playoffs but most also had them missing by a decent margin. Despite that, missing playoffs now would likely feel like a disappointment because just two weeks ago it looked like close to a lock they were in.
However, they now need to fight to stay in third in the Pacific. The final wild card spot is also up for grabs and it should be quite the race to the finish. Defenceman Drew Doughty was having an incredible season too. After a few down years, especially analytically, Doughty has bounced back to being much closer to the prime player we knew. He wasn’t quite that this year but he was still incredible, this loss can not be understated.
Team Game
Now, the Kings will look to play as they have all season, as a team. Usually, when a team makes a surprise run in the regular season it’s off the back of a hot goalie. However, Jonathan Quick has been just average this season and Petersen has been bad. It’s been a responsible team game that has got them where they are now. Don’t expect that to change one bit.
The Kings did add some depth at the deadline in case of injury in terms of Troy Stetcher. However, Stetcher is a good bottom pair player, it will take a group effort to try and mask what Doughty brought.
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