Doughty: wait and see

The slim chance that Drew Doughty, recovering from an apparent concussion, would join the team in Dallas on Thursday has vanished, and Doughty’s status for Saturday’s home game against New Jersey is not yet known. As noted before, Doughty’s status would be dependent entirely on his ability to pass a baseline test and be medically cleared. Rookie defenseman Jake Muzzin is back on the roster, but Terry Murray said he will go with the same six defensemen against Chicago. Here’s what Murray said today about Doughty’s status…

MURRAY: “We’ll let this thing heal properly and make sure that everything is good when he gets back in. … I think it’s just a matter of he and the doctor working it out. As soon as he is feeling good and ready to go, we’ll get him back in the lineup. If he was to join us in Dallas, I would put him in right away. But he’s not going to be here. He will be at home, obviously, and we’ll see how he is whenever we get back. There’s no question that I’m going to play him as soon as possible.”

71 Comments

  1. LomitaKingsFan says:

    Hey Rich, any comment from Willie about Drews concussions and if he has had a chance to talk with Drew or TM about it?

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @LomitaKingsFan, That’s one of the first things I thought of. Have to figure Willie’s pretty eager to share the virtues of his new helmet, among other things.

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    rontheking Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

    exactly what i was thinking–let’s hope dd starts wearing the new helmet.

    concussions generally grow progressively worse with each occurrence, because–let’s face it– your brain can only be mashed out of shape against the inside of your skull so many times before becoming permanently damaged….

    [Reply]

    Smarty Pants Reply:

    @LomitaKingsFan, and if he did do either remember the conversation.

    [Reply]

  2. Michael_DD8 says:

    Seems like he should be able to play on Saturday. Hes been skating everyday since he got the injury,so it seems as if he feels good, just needs to pass his Baseline tests. Get well Doughty! hope to see you Saturday!

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Michael_DD8, I may be wrong, but they might be deliberately giving him a break for preventive reasons. I remember reading that people who suffer multiple concussions suffer more effects (not a surprise) and that people who suffer multiple concussions in close proximity suffer many more effects. If that’s true, taking a couple weeks off might be a tremendous idea.

    [Reply]

    FaninHighland Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I agree, I’d rather he be completely healthy and recovered than come back to soon.

    [Reply]

    Kwaz Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

    I agree 100%. When someone suffers an injury of any type the longer they are allowed to heal the more complete the healing is. I would rather see Drew sit out all of November than risking him becoming another Lindros! One of my worst nightmares would be DD becoming a concussion case. I don’t care how long it takes, we are not going to win the cup in November, or even December.

    Besides, the rest of the guys are still getting the job done. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a team that was playing well in November or December, and then add a Drew Doughty into the line-up?

    [Reply]

  3. 805Kingsfan says:

    Definatly no need to rush the recovery…..we got the Monster back in the lineup and Peter Harrold didn’t look that bad….

    Eat some nachos, drink a soda and get better Drew, we’re still at the top of the charts.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @805Kingsfan, Really, even if they lost both remaining road games, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. sure, they’d like to do everything reasonable to win them, but they’re a point short of .500 for this road trip, which isn’t bad. Of course, their resilience and heart over the last couple games are very encouraging, and I wouldn’t bet against them winning either or both games without Drew Doughty.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @805Kingsfan, I hope all these nacho & soda references are to egg on DD to become the work out and health freak Dustin Brown is. Lets face it DD is 80% of his potential, because he is not the workout guy/healthy eater. He still one of, if not the best D-man in the league, but its like Mickey Mantle as incredible as his career was he didn’t get to near what his peak potential was. Its scary to think how good DD can be. If I were DL I would try to work in some fitness test bonuses in his next contract. Obviously get the new helmet Willie and Westie are using. I really don’t know why all the players aren’t using them if they work better.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @luc20rules, at some point, you have to ask “why push it?” For some players, what works for them works, and when it works as well as it does for Doughty…I’m sure his eating habits will improve over tim, just as the others.

    [Reply]

  4. Mike in CO says:

    We need him back healthy and ready to go…no rush. We have a solid D.

    [Reply]

  5. Lanny McDonald's 'Stache says:

    Normally I would take concussion-related delays/setbacks as some pretty scary news, but it’s fairly safe to assume that the organ-eye-zation wants to treat Drew with kid gloves and make sure there’s no lasting damage. The guy has a few Norris trophies still to win, no sense in rushing him back or gambling with his health.

    That said, Erik Cole is still on my $*(^ list… he was looking at Doughty the whole way, and if one of those two players was in a position to avoid the contact, it was Cole. Not the dirtiest thing I’ve ever seen by any means, but certainly an avoidable situation.

    [Reply]

  6. DesertKing says:

    Rich, are you and the team already in Chicago? I heard on the radio that they were shutting down O’Hare airport due to the biggest windstorm in 60+ years moving through Chicago. Stay safe on the road!

    [Reply]

    Rich Hammond Reply:

    Thanks much for the concern…got in last night. It’s very windy here but everything is good, thanks.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    It is the windy city.

    LOLz

    [Reply]

  7. Big Plans says:

    Where’s the view from your hotel?

    [Reply]

    Michael_DD8 Reply:

    @Big Plans,

    I think its something he is trying to do almost everytime there on the road, but im sure there will be times he doesnt get around to it.

    [Reply]

    Matthew Reply:

    @Michael_DD8, At least nobody is requesting pictures of his room yet otherwise I’ll have to stop coming on here!

    [Reply]

  8. jayhay says:

    i’m sure it was said all over here last night, haven’t read it & watched game via DVR, but MAN, how well has DD2 looked recently!! seriously. nastiness in front of the net, transition (granted there was 1 play that sticks out where he rushed too far & tried too hard & turned the puck over on the off. blue line).
    his entire game has gone up multiple levels. very impressed.

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @jayhay, I rewtached that game also. He had a great game. With less than 10 games, into the season, I shudder to think of how good he’ll be 30 or 40 games down the line. I’m most impressed with Willy though.

    [Reply]

    PakiFan Reply:

    @jayhay,

    I agree. I am kinda shocked too. He has gotten a lot better since last season. When Doughty comes back, we better keep DD2 over Harrold and Muzzin.

    [Reply]

    Matthew Reply:

    @PakiFan, Admittedly I’m a DD2 hater as I tremble every time he touches the puck or attempts to pinch in the offensive zone (truly scary), but he played excellent last night including a few great poke checks deep in our zone. He seems to have started playing within his abilities, taking advantage of his strong points and hasn’t been trying to do too much, which probably comes back to coaching and the video room. Having said that, the Wild are known to be a pretty slow speed and that is definitely one of DD2′s weaknesses in his game so let’s hope he can adjust for faster teams.

    Mitchell is quickly becoming one of my favorite Kings though along with Williams who seems so close to his old 30+ goals a year form.

    [Reply]

    fsd1 Reply:

    @Matthew, agree, and i might add, its seems as tho Davis is adding a bit of a mean streak into his game……

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Matthew, I thought that is what makes Harold a mainstay on the roster. Harold handles the fast teams Drewiske in for the bigger teams. We only run into a problem when we go against the likes of Vanc. and can’t always match up verse the Sedins + Samuelson. That is however what makes the Poni-Zues-Simmonds shutdown line so important for us.
    I would like to give props to JJ & DD2 for playing within themselves and the system. JJ has stepped it up the last 2 games risking less is gaining more. Both have been positionally solid.

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @luc20rules, I think it’s more his ability to play forward or defense without being a liability. Players like that are like insurance policies you know you’ll benefit from–more of an investment that pays for itself from time to time than anything else. I love Harrold for that reason, and was so glad to see him stick to this year’s roster.

  9. Kingsfanone says:

    I hope Mitchell talks to Dewey, assuming of course, this “upper body injury” is indeed a concussion. His insights would help Dewey adjust to what he’s feeling like right now.
    If its a cut on the ear………never mind.

    [Reply]

  10. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

    Is there any treatment for concussions besides rest? How about a hyperbaric chamber? How about dietary/supplement/drug treatment?

    Wouldn’t it be ironic if medicinal cannabis helps (hey, stranger things have happened–it’s thought to be one of the few things that actually boosts brain cell growth) provided benefits, but is both federally illegal and a banned substance by NHL rules?

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Medicinal cannabis? Is that like when my grandma used to tell me the whiskey in her cupboard was for “medicinal” purposes?

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Deke’r, No, it’s real medicine. Despite attempts to keep official studies from being conducted, it’s been shown to have a slew of real medicinal applications, notably for the nervous system.

    For the record, I’m a patient. It’s legit.

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Really! I’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and have never heard my Dr. mention cannabis as a medication. I’m gong to have to have a talk with him!

    Deke'r Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, going….not gong.

    Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

    Nooooo!

    With his well documented weight issues,& junk food addiction, the last thing he needs is the munchies! :)

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    Well, first off, it’s not like Drew’s gonna get a legal green light, so no worries.

    Second, most doctors are afraid to even consider the topic, since they feel threatened by the DEA and the FDA. The best thing to do is to do a web search on the topic and contact people as close as possible to the studies that show promise. My doctor wouldn’t even consider it, so I ended up trying it (second time ever, for me), finding out it worked for me, and seeking out the doctor who would consider it.

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Deke’r, I don’t want to hijack this forum any more than it’s already been hijacked, so I’d just like to point out that there are in fact google hits for the topic:

    http://www.google.com/search?q=cannabis%20peripheral%20neuropathy

    Deke'r Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Thanks for the path. Maybe the Dr. didn’t mention the possibility because my condition is not HIV related or painful, just a loss of feeling in toes and feet.

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, i was gonna say “you have to be either a pot head (illegaly smoking it) or your a patient. good to hear that your doing it the right way here in California.

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Deke’r, You might consider giving it a shot, if you’re in a state that supports it. I suffered a limited form of extremity trouble, and in combination with PT (mine was caused by foramenal narrowing due to degenerative disc disease, which also gives me headaches) it’s helped. In my case, though, it (literally) stops the screaming and infirmity from pain. Fortunately, I only occasionally need relief.

    Puckn-A Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Most doctors are given incentives by pharmaceutical corporations to push their products. No reason for most doctors to bite the hand that feeds them. Now remember I said most, not all. When it is more beneficial for them and excepted publicly you will see an increase in it being researched and prescribed imo.

    Dan H. Reply:

    @Deke’r,

    LOL. That’s a good one. The only ones that are out supporting the “medical cannibus” bills are the 19 year old stoner skateboarders.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Dan H., I’ve been working really hard to make it NOT political, but since you chimed in, I have to disagree. I, for example, am not 19, not a stoner, and not a skateboarder, and over the first four decades of my life, I tried it once, and hated it.

    VanKingsFan Reply:

    @Dan H., Sorry Dan H. but I have got to back up Kenneth here, the majority of people with their medicinal Marijuana card are way above the age of 19 and usually suffer from chronic pain. In most cases Marijuana is the only drug that allows them to live a normal life.

    Still don’t see what the difference is between getting baked and getting drunk. Except getting baked is way less dangerous and destructive than getting drunk

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

    Is there any treatment for concussions besides rest?
    –No, (besides analgesic pain control medications such as acetaminophen or NSAID drugs) as long as the pathology is limited to non-interventional injuries to the brain (such as certain hematomas or increased intracranial pressure, which might indicate surgery or steroid administration).

    How about dietary/supplement/drug treatment?
    –I’m sure there are claims from different sources, but none have been certified by the FDA.

    Wouldn’t it be ironic if medicinal cannabis helps…?
    –That makes me think of the soft drink commercial with the call-out to scientists for a time machine to fix all the bad/embarrassing moments in one’s life (i.e., a great idea, but…)

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    Sadly, in the current legal environment, we’re decades away from any “acceptable” research toward derivatives that might be taken seriously in this context, but it sure would be nice to get the clock started on it. I was among the critics (not legally, but practically) when the topic came up twenty years ago, but when there was a possibility it could help me, I stopped scoffing.

    [Reply]

    VanKingsFan Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

    Yes (or No??) on Prop 19!

    (not sure if yes or no is to legalize)

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @VanKingsFan,

    I consider it an unrelated issue, and I don’t live in California (so I haven’t read the legislation) but my opinion is that banning it is the most destructive policy. I’d prefer it completely unlegislated, but that appears unlikely, even in the long term. I’m not selling this position (here, in this forum); just answering the question.

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, sorry dude, in the post earlier i just assumed you were in california. Which state do you represent. Michigan? Colorado? Idaho? i know there is more just cant think of them.

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, I’m in Colorado. The initiative passed here in 2000, and I started in 2006, after being diagnosed with a pain disorder.

    rontheking Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

    dude…i’ve self-medicated before and the i’ve noticed it really seems to help my memory and…uh….

    [Reply]

    rontheking Reply:

    @rontheking,

    oh yeah…i was going to say it really seems to help my memory, dude….

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @rontheking, Oddly enough, while the temporary effects on memory are well-understood, the long-term effects are only now being studied. Interestingly, studies seem to show that the long-term effects are actually positive. I know it’s strange.

    [Reply]

  11. Jayrew says:

    Still time to get in. The line hasn’t moved.

    Drew Doughty games missed due to injury: Over or under 10.5 games

    [Reply]

    VanKingsFan Reply:

    @Jayrew, Under (fingers crossed)

    [Reply]

  12. markisonfire says:

    Suck down those Diet Cokes Drew. No rush. You’ll be extra rested for the playoffs. ;)

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @markisonfire,

    Da Da Da-da-di-da…
    ;-)

    [Reply]

  13. KingNewfie says:

    So… How many more days is it until we play Carolina again? Cole got some splainin’ to do.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @KingNewfie,

    Next year’s schedule hasn’t been released yet.
    Seriously.

    [Reply]

    LomitaKingsFan Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Well, there is one other possibility of playing them again this year…

    [Reply]

    Bill M. Reply:

    @LomitaKingsFan, And I am most certainly ok with that possibility!

    Hat Trick Reply:

    @KingNewfie,

    We could trade for him and let the team fine tune their 23 on 1 drill.

    [Reply]

  14. Cup4LA64 says:

    A lot of credit goes to Deano here building the team. I can’t remember a time when we feel this comfortable losing a #1 defenseman on the Kings. This afford us to properly take care of these injuries, and at the same time, give our kids valuable experience.

    Take your time DD. We want to see you in that Kings jersey for a long long time.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Cup4LA64, I agree. It sure is nice to be able to weather the loss of your most talented player for the short term without any panic. Let’s hope it is indeed short term.

    [Reply]

  15. Deke'r says:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth? Thanks for the info…didn’t mean to put you on the spot. Take care brother!

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Deke’r, Hey, no problem. Just don’t want to piss off the Hammer by getting political, but it’s a legitimate interest of mine. Hope you look into it–at least if it’s not for you, you’ll know you tried.

    [Reply]

  16. KC23 says:

    I’ll be interested to see DD in his new helmet. He’d be an idiot not to wear a Mitchel helmet now. Might as well start getting used to see that helmet cause I bet a lot of players will start playing with it. Silly not to be as safe as possible.

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @KC23,

    I’m under the impression NHL hockey players are slow to change. A perfect example is Lappy nearly losing an eye before he puts a shield on, and then, it doesn’t matter anyway and he is forced to retire.

    I don’t know how much more or less comfortable Mitchell’s helmet is compared to Dewey’s, but it would be prudent for him to get one if it protects better.

    Slow to change is a superstitious or comfort thing?

    I think to cut down on these type of injuries just remove the plastic “armor” and make it only padding, except for the goalies. But, what do I know…….

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Kingsfanone, I think you keep the hard plastic you just use 2 layers of small plates instead of a solid piece over the whole thing. That would probably work best.

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @luc20rules,

    I could live with that.
    I think any of the layers you remove will help in “softening” the blow. But the way it is now, these guys are fully armored up and a hit on anybody is gonna sting.
    I feel this is the area a lot of the concussions are emanating from. I’ve never played, so I’m only going on what I see them wearing. But you can’t expect these guys to “gain respect” and not hit someone as hard if they are vulnerable or not. Otherwise, why even have refs? And it doesn’t matter how long you give the refs to “get used” to the new rules, that hit by Brownie looked like a questionable one at regular speed to me too. You can’t keep stopping the game to look at a replay.
    The only answer I see is to lesson the amount/type/whatever of the body armor, without slowing the game any more constantly going to replays.

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Kingsfanone, But Drews’ injury was not from impact but rather whiplash. Therefore the added padding would not have helped and possibly could have made it worse if the helmet weighs more(more momentum). And the idea of lessening the armour is interesting. Joe Paterno said he believes getting rid of facemasks would reduce the helmet to helmet occurances in football. I believe he’s got a point!

    [Reply]

  17. EdRoyal says:

    Hope Drew Doughty is back real soon. Need him on that power play as well.

    [Reply]

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