3 key injured LA Kings players going into New York

Earlier this past week, new interim Los Angeles Kings head coach DJ Smith played his first game with the team as the bench boss on home ice at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings now focus on the next game in this six-game homestand late this week on Thursday night (March 5) against the New York Islanders from the East.

A couple of key Los Angeles Kings players expected to play tonight vs. the Islanders on home ice

Smith and the Kings played hard on the ice while battling back on the scoreboard in the middle frame in the second period vs. the Colorado Avalanche in the West on Monday night (March 2) on home ice. It looks like the Kings played with energy and fight in the middle frame in the second period and in the final frame a few days ago on Monday vs. Colorado on home ice.

The active roster lineup is a major point of questioning for Smith and the Kings coming into tonight's matchup vs. the Islanders on home ice on Thursday. A combination of injuries and illnesses in the active roster lineup has left Smith and the Kings pretty shorthanded in the core forward lines group and on the blue line on defense this upcoming week.

Here are three key injured Kings' players going into tonight's matchup at home vs. the Islanders on March 5.

Joel Armia, W

In the Pacific Division in the West against the Edmonton Oilers in back-to-back games this past week, winger Joel Armia suffered an upper-body injury that caused him to leave the game in the opening frame in the first period on the ice. The Kings placed Armia on injured reserve earlier this week on Monday.

Zach Dooley of LA Kings Insider reported on March 5 that Armia is "unlikely" to play for the Kings in the next couple of games late this week on Thursday and Saturday vs. the Montreal Canadiens from the Atlantic Division in the East.

Armia reportedly had an MRI on his back injury earlier this week on Tuesday.

Trevor Moore, W

The one bit of good news regarding injury statuses for the Kings and Smith late this week is the potential reported return of Trevor Moore to the forward lines core. Moore is reportedly expected to play for the Kings and Smith and the coaching staff tonight vs. the Isles.

Moore has scored eight total points and three goals in nine games played in his career vs. the Islanders. No other Kings' winger has as many assists and points per game vs. the Isles.

Drew Doughty, D

Another player who is expected to return to the active roster lineup tonight for the Kings in the West on Thursday is defenseman Drew Doughty.

Doughty reportedly was a full participant in practice this morning on Thursday and in team drills for Smith and the Kings on the blue line on defense.

Doughty was seen in practice earlier this week on Tuesday morning (March 3) wearing the red non-contact jersey in team drills.