Before the puck dropped in tonight’s showdown between the Kings and Rangers, Los Angeles announced that Adrian Kempe would be sidelined due to a lower-body injury. This marks the first absence of the season for the forward, who has been a pivotal player for the Kings.
In 66 games this season, the 29-year-old Kempe has racked up 58 points, maintaining the impressive form that has defined his recent years. He's clocking a career-high average ice time of 19:16, thriving on the first line with Anže Kopitar, who's wrapping up his illustrious career.
As Kopitar takes his final laps, the Kings are banking on Kempe to continue his stellar play well into the future, especially after securing him with an eight-year extension last November. With the recent addition of Artemi Panarin, Kempe leads the team in points, and this dynamic duo will be crucial in the Kings’ playoff push.
Kempe might return as soon as Thursday against the Flyers, but his absence tonight is felt, especially with Panarin's return to Madison Square Garden.
Elsewhere in the NHL:
The Utah Mammoth faced a setback ahead of their game in Dallas, announcing that Kevin Stenlund is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. This is only the second game the fourth-line center has missed this season, having contributed 15 points in 66 games.
While it's a dip from his impressive 28-point debut season with Utah, Stenlund remains a defensive stalwart, starting nearly 65% of his shifts in the defensive zone and excelling in face-offs. The former Columbus second-round pick might be back in action as soon as Thursday in Vegas.
In Tampa Bay, Zemgus Girgensons made his return to practice, skating alongside Yanni Gourde. Girgensons left Saturday’s game against Carolina early due to injury.
The Latvian veteran, known for his defensive prowess in a bottom-six role, starts 60% of his shifts in the defensive zone and has tallied 15 points in 58 games. Despite the challenges of today’s fast-paced game, the 32-year-old continues to bring value with a 50.7% corsi for at five-on-five, all for a cap hit of just $850k.