The LA Kings dropped a tough 4-1 decision on Monday night to the Dallas Stars. The Stars scored three third-period goals to take the two points. The unfortunate recipient of the loss was backup goalie Anton Forsberg.
The LA Kings’ backup hit the ice after yet another controversial play by Stars forward Mikko Rantanen led to Los Angeles starting goalie Darcy Kuemper leaving the game.
The incident occurred at the 16-minute mark of the opening frame. The replay showed that Rantanen bowled into Kuemper, landing his forearm on the LA Kings netminder’s forehead. The blow left Kuemper on the ice shaken up.
Following the hit, Keumper regained composure and headed towards the Kings’ dressing room. He did not return to the game.
The hit sounded the alarms in Los Angeles, but according to an expert medical opinion, it might not be so bad for Kuemper. Renowned medical expert Dr. Harjas Grewal offered this insight into Kuemper’s run-in with Rantanen:
The LA Kings hope that Grewal is right. The concussion protocol is part of the standard procedure in such situations. So, the expectation would be that Kuemper did not sustain any injury beyond a little wooziness and a mild headache.
La Kings’ Coach Did Not Provide Updates following the Game against Dallas
LA Kings coach Jim Hiller did not provide an update on Kuemper’s status following the game against Dallas. It’s not surprising to find a lack of information after a game. Coaches aren’t necessarily in the loop about what the medical staff does behind the scenes.
So, more information should be forthcoming on Kuemper on Tuesday. He’ll likely undergo further testing and evaluation to determine his status.
Given the precedent on hits like this, things may not be good for the LA Kings. The most immediate case that comes to mind is Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz. Stolarz took an elbow from the Florida Panthers’ Sam Bennett during Game 1 of their second-round series last spring.
Stolarz did not return for the remainder of the series. He started the season, but left after a month with an upper-body injury. Stolarz has not even returned to the ice as of now. The previous example isn’t to state that Kuemper could be out long-term. But it’s worth highlighting that such incidents don’t always end up well for goalies.
Here’s hoping this entire incident is nothing more than one massive injury scare for the LA Kings.
Concussion Could Derail Kuemper’s Bid for Team Canada
Kuemper’s fantastic play last season earned him a Vezina Trophy nomination. He’s kept his strong performance up this season, catapulting him into the conversation for Team Canada’s Olympic roster.
However, if the worst-case scenario unfolded, that is, a concussion for Kuemper, that could derail his chance to make Team Canada.
It’s worth pointing out that Team Canada has until December 31 to name the LA Kings’ goalie to its roster. Then, Kuemper would still have another month to recover before heading to Italy in February.
But with concussions, it’s hard to tell. If Kuemper misses any significant time for the LA Kings, Team Canada may not take any chances.
La Kings’ Coach Did Not Provide Updates following the Game against Dallas
LA Kings May Not Be Out for Long Based on Medical Opinion