Great win for the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night against the Calgary Flames, but ultimately a costly one: Right wing Justin Williams, the team's second-leading scorer, injured his shoulder in the third period on a Robyn Regehr hit. The news Tuesday was expected, but nonetheless a punch in the gut.
From Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider on Williams' dislocated shoulder:
Justin Williams is expected to miss 3-4 weeks because of his shoulder injury, so theoretically he could return during the playoffs if things went well for him and the team. Terry Murray did not discuss Oscar Moller or his potential role, since Moller has not officially been called up (until paperwork is completed).
Moller expected to be Williams' replacement in the lineup. As if one can replace 22 goals and 35 assists in 73 games, skating primarily with Jarret Stoll and Ryan Smyth.
Helene Elliott of the LA Times tweeted a medical update:
Williams' shoulder dislocated but he will try rehab to get to 80 percent strength and then wear harness. Other option is surgery now and that's not Williams' first choice. So rehab 3 to 4 weeks and then assess.
So it's not the rest of the season, in theory, but it's pretty damn close. Very tough break for the Kings and for Williams, who inked a four-year, $14.6 million extension last month and was in the midst of his best offensive season since 2007.
No comments:
Post a Comment