News Article: Kopitar injures right knee/2-3 weeks IR

[fsanford]

IF the season were to start on the 19th, that pretty much takes care of the 2 weeks, maybe he misses 2-3 games.

 

[SLang]

When I heard this news yesterday I knew the lockout was over.

There is just no way the lockout would end and the banner would be raised without out some sort of dark cloud hanging over our heads.

It just wouldn't be Los Angeles Kings hockey if that didn't happen.

F that....that was the old Kings....this is the new Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings.

It's a whole new era, people.

I'm SO stoked that we will get to see this team come back 100% intact to defend their title. Losing that would have been the biggest tragedy of the lockout, IMO.

 

[KingKopitar11*]

I really dont want to lose Loktionov, I know he's going to shine. It will hurt

 

[goosh]

Helene Elliott ‏@helenenothelen

Dean Lombardi said images of Kopitar's injured right knee were not clear enough to tell much but from what was visible it looked like

Initial diagnosis of Grade 2 MCL sprain was accurate. Technically, Kings can suspend Kopitar and Willie Mitchell (knee) for (more)

Getting hurt during lockout and not being ready to play. Lombardi said he would ask higher-ups about it. I got feeling he won't suspend them

Yeah, it doesn't seem likely that Kopi will be ready for the first game of the season. Grade 2 MCL sprain is no joke.

 

[CBGB]

You know I've always been accurate when it comes to the medical side of the Kings...

Kopitar will miss at least 4 weeks, possibly as many as 6

It is NOT 2-3.

 

[Little Psycho]

Lovely news.

 

[goosh]

You know I've always been accurate when it comes to the medical side of the Kings...

Kopitar will miss at least 4 weeks, possibly as many as 6

It is NOT 2-3.

And this is based on what, exactly?

 

[damacles1156]

Well Four weeks is probably not out of the question.

Probably see Kopitar the second week of Feb ?

 

[KopitarFAN]

And this is based on what, exactly?

He has sources on the inside, and he's usually right.

 

[Pucknut50]

Yes if it is indeed a Grade II MCL tear 3 to 4 weeks is standard, so I agree about a 6 weeks before Kopitar plays. But it sounds like it was inclusiveness so maybe he can get back sooner.

 

[Tadite]

Darn it!

Guess it's nice to have some center depth but man what crazy bad timing!

 

[santiclaws]

You know I've always been accurate when it comes to the medical side of the Kings...

Now would be a good time to buck that disturbing trend.

 

[Buddy The Elf]

And this is based on what, exactly?

He was actually posting from insides Kopitar's knee.

 

[KingsFan7824]

The Kings gave themselves a chance to beat the Sharks without Kopitar a few years ago, and the team is better now. 2 weeks before the season starts, so 2-3 weeks of actual games. He's been playing though, so he's in some sort of game shape.

Just have to wait and see how things go.

 

[Stumbling Jack]

Now would be a good time to buck that disturbing trend.

Haha I was thinking the same thing. I would be less worried if the season was starting in Oct. I guess we'll see what Carter can do on the first line.

 

[Winger23]

If Kopi is out 4-6 weeks here we come 8th seed. I really thought the Kings would push Vancouver/St.Louis for the #1 seed this year but if he misses a few weeks in an already shortened season I see the kings still making the playoffs, but barely again like last year.

 

[Chazz Reinhold]

If Kopi is out 4-6 weeks here we come 8th seed. I really thought the Kings would push Vancouver/St.Louis for the #1 seed this year but if he misses a few weeks in an already shortened season I see the kings still making the playoffs, but barely again like last year.

How so? The Kings still have a ton of depth. They'll be able to roll lines that are some combination of the this:

Brown-Carter-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Penner
Kings-Stoll-Lewis
Clifford-Fraser-Nolan

That's an incredibly deep lineup, and I would have no problem throwing those top 2 lines against any other top 2 lines in the West.

 

[bobafettish*]

if only the players and owners could get their **** together a few days sooner.

 

[Winger23]

How so? The Kings still have a ton of depth. They'll be able to roll lines that are some combination of the this:

Brown-Carter-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Penner
Kings-Stoll-Lewis
Clifford-Fraser-Nolan

That's an incredibly deep lineup, and I would have no problem throwing those top 2 lines against any other top 2 lines in the West.

I agree it's deep, just Kopi brings so much to the PK, defensively etc. I personally don't see Brown Carter Williams doing great (decent but not great) and IMO the chemistry that Carter and Richards had is going to be missed. I guess the key factor will be Gagne playing like he is capable.

With Kopi in the lineup teams had to choose who their best D-men would be facing each night. Now I think they focus more on Richards line.....

 

[KingKopitar11*]

I think Kopi's strong skating is a downfall as well, He puts too much pressure and sometimes he doesn't know when to fall to prevent damage. Im not blaming him, but he should try to fall to avoid sprains and such.

 

[topliner967]

I think Kopi's strong skating is a downfall as well, He puts too much pressure and sometimes he doesn't know when to fall to prevent damage. Im not blaming him, but he should try to fall to avoid sprains and such.

Maybe take a hint from Brownie?

 

[Fishhead]

Was anything official ever released about this? Not sure if the Kings are going to do their own MRI or just look at his last one and make an announcement. Maybe they are waiting until after the PC today at 4 to keep spirits high.

 

[onlyalad]

Just a thought. Could the Kings suspend him without pay? Because if they dont he counts against the cap. I know that is not a worry now but at the deadline they may want some extra space to maybe get somebodies cast off( in prep for next years cap)
I dont think they can put him on LTIR because he was hurt playing elsewhere.
Kind of a jerk move but they could do it ( i think)

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Just a thought. Could the Kings suspend him without pay? Because if they dont he counts against the cap. I know that is not a worry now but at the deadline they may want some extra space to maybe get somebodies cast off( in prep for next years cap)
I dont think they can put him on LTIR because he was hurt playing elsewhere.
Kind of a jerk move but they could do it ( i think)

They have to consider it. He took the risk on his own when he went to play elsewhere during the lockout. He had to take out his own insurance and should continue to collect pay through his insurance. Legally, the Kings aren't obligated to pay him or his medical expenses.

 

[CTKingsFan]

Lombardi confirmed to Helene Elliot that Kopitar's injury is indeed 2-3 weeks.