LA Kings vs. Wild: Three takeaways in 5-3 loss against Wild
Takeaway #1: The injury bug has bitten the LA Kings
Going into tonight’s game, the LA Kings knew they would be without speed demon forward Andreas Athanasiou after he was placed in the NHL COVID protocol. Coming out of tonight’s game, it was a lot worse than that.
Right defenseman Matt Roy was on the receiving end of a hit from behind from Kevin Fiala that resulted in Roy crashing face-first into the boards. Fiala was given a five-minute major and rightfully thrown out of the game, but the damage was done.
A dangerous hit on Matt Roy #LAKings pic.twitter.com/byQPODnemV
— Rink Royalty (@RinkRoyalty) January 29, 2021
It took several minutes for Roy to get to his feet, and he was helped off the ice by his teammates. Roy has been solid on the LA blueline once again this season, and if he misses an extended amount of time, it could certainly have dire consequences.
In the third period, another LA Kings right defenseman would have to leave the game, when Sean Walker took a high blast from Wild defenseman Matt Dumba to the face. It was unclear where exactly on his face the puck hit, but it was clear that Walker was profusely bleeding and immediately made his to the Kings’ bench – he would not return to the game either. Like Roy, an extended absence from Walker would be a tough blow to the LA defense.
LA Kings coach Todd McLellan had no official update on either player after the game.
Todd McLellan speaking with the media -- on Roy and Walker: "They're both seeing the doctors and getting evaluated right now. I think they'll be able to travel home with us. I think they're going to be ok, eventually."
— Rink Royalty (@RinkRoyalty) January 29, 2021