Jarret Stoll a centermen for the Los Angeles Kings is out of the lineup for tonight’s preseason opener against the Arizona Coyotes.
Stoll is still recovering from offseason hip surgery to fix a nagging injury, as Stoll has had problems with his hip abductor muscle in the past. Hip abductor muscles are located on the inside thigh connecting muscles to the hip and femur, running down from the groin to the knee. Hip abductor muscles are fundamental in providing leg strength and stability. Extending the leg outward, as in a striding or skating motion, flexes and puts stress on these muscles. Having weak or damaged hip abductor muscles will no only cause pain to the player, but will shorten a players stride; compromising balance, manouverability and speed.
Puck Prose
The Kings have elected to bring Stoll back slowly, allowing him to participate in camp practices with limited to no contact. Stoll can continue his rehab process while getting up to speed, and getting into a familiar routine with teammates. Stoll is likely to sit out for all of the preseason games, with the hope that he’ll be back and ready for the beginning of the regular season.
“We’re just sticking right to the program that we had for him. We wanted him to skate two days, take the third day off and start ramping (up) again from there. Get into more contact.” Kings Head Coach Darryl Sutter told Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register.
Stoll is the Kings third or fourth line center, depending on the lineup he alternates with Mike Richards. During the 2013-2014 year Stoll had 8 goals and 27 points in 78 regular season games, and 3 goals and 6 points in 26 playoff games. Stoll is also a vital part of the Kings penalty-kill unit, as a big, strong forward that’s not afraid to take up lanes and block shots.
Apr 22, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll (28) celebrates after a goal in the second period against the San Jose Sharks in game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The split-squad games get underway at 7:00 p.m. in Arizona and 7:30 p.m. in Los Angeles. Both times are Pacific Standard Time. The Coyotes and King met twice in exhibition game as part of rookie training camps. The prospect teams split wins: Arizona winning the first game 4-1 and the Kings won game two, 3-1.