A NEW SHOCK: The defensemen for the Kings has serious injuries.
The first-pair defenceman left Thursday’s 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators during the third period.
Anderson leads the Kings in average ice time per game (21:07) and has 15 points (one goal, 14 assists) in 55 games. Only Drew Doughty, his defensive counterpart, plays longer (25:57).
According to interim coach Jim Hiller, replacing Anderson would require teamwork.
He offers so much, according to Hiller. “There is the character and the leadership. These are the things that, although you might not see them as much, are incredibly important to the squad and in the locker room.
That carries over on the ice. Sincere participant, shot blocker, performs all the menial tasks and grunt labor that occasionally goes unnoticed. We’ll miss him in a lot of ways.
During Saturday morning’s morning skate before the Kings’ game against the Anaheim Ducks at Crypto.com Arena, Vladislav Gavrikov took Anderson’s spot on the first pair with Doughty.
Matt Roy skated alongside Brandt Clarke, the eighth overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. Right-handed Clarke operated on the left side.
In 11 games this season, he has five points (one goal, four assists).
After being called up from the American Hockey League’s Ontario affiliate on Saturday, Jordan Spence will play on the third pair with Andreas Englund. In 44 games, Spence has 16 assists.
Englund is probably going to see more of a part in the kill penalty, where Spence and Clarke might also be called upon. Anderson’s 2:32 average In terms of shorthanded ice time per game, Los Angeles ranks second.
Without a doubt, someone will have to take the minutes, according to Hiller. “The penalty kill has gone well, and our framework is sound. I have no doubt that whoever it is will enter and perform well.
According to Hiller, Anderson will not accompany the Kings on their three-game road trip across Western Canada, which gets underway on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers.
With Anderson’s departure, Los Angeles had suffered two significant injuries in as many games. After suffering a lower-body injury during Tuesday’s 5-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, forward Viktor Arvidsson was placed on long-term injured reserve on Saturday.
Hiller voiced hope that Arvidsson would be able to make a comeback before the regular season concluded.
“I He’s like, week to week,” Hiller remarked. “You never know how things will turn out. We’ll simply have to wait and see.
Due to a back injury that necessitated surgery, Arvidsson did not play in any games until February 15. Since then, he has two assists in four games. Just 17 seconds into his lone shift against the Blue Jackets, he sustained an injury.
