Willie Mitchell took another step toward his return today. Mitchell participated in a full-team practice for the first time since he broke his wrist on Nov. 6. Afterward, he showed me the new padding he will wear on the wrist when he returns to gave action. Gone is the soft cast that covered his wrist and part of his hand, replaced by a much smaller, less restrictive pad that allows him to flex his wrist. Mitchell described it as something similar to what football players wear. Mitchell is scheduled for a meeting with a team doctor tomorrow night, at which point he will probably be cleared to play, but Terry Murray said it is unlikely that Mitchell would be able to return Saturday against Minnesota. The Kings’ following game would be Monday at Detroit.
MURRAY: “He’s not cleared. He’s going to see our doctor on Thursday, for maybe the final appointment, just to have that conversation. But he feels good. It’s kind of on your own now. Once you get through some many weeks of doing squats and lunges and workouts off-ice, then you get more comfortable. He started handling the puck a little yesterday, and he wanted to be a part of it. Right after practice yesterday, he said he would like to join and participate more, so it’s good to see that he’s close.”
Question: Is there any thought that he might play Saturday?
MURRAY: “No.”
Question: But probably not too long after that…
MURRAY: “I think very close after that. We’ll get through this weekend, and a couple more practices and I think he’s going to be ready to go.”
Why rush him when you have Harrold. It will be good to see him back on Monday night.
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Ersberg Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
@Hockey101, I agree, no need to rush him, especially since Harrold is just as good.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
@Ersberg, harrold just as good as WM? I hope that was sarcasm…
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@Ersberg, “Harrold is just as good”
Not even close dude… not even close
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KC23 Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
@Ersberg, Only King in WM’s league is Scudes.
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Lvhatrick Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I would have said why rush it when Martinez is playing so well..Not to insinuate that Martinez is near as good but just that Martinez has been playing real well…
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puck73 Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
@Hockey101, Dude! Harry has earned the right to play, he has come into this season in even better shape and doing the fans here proud…That being said, he is no Willie Mitchell, and neither is Doughty, or JJ…Mitchell is the best shutdown d man in the NHL IMO !
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luc20rules Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
@puck73, Agreed, If you are talking this season JJ & Doughty have played better in streches, but WM is just rock steady. WM always takes way the easier play(s), opponents always have to be great to beat him.
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TM on XM Home Ice right now…
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
To recap–
About the slide since 12-3: SJ took it to us, then one mistake lost games we couldn’t put away. Reality is increasing expectations. Now we’re battling through, the young players getting better.
About DD, 1g, 7a so far: No injury slowing him down, paying a lot of attention to DD, life is more difficult, in shot lanes forcing him to pass, happens to young players, must be more creative.
About JW, his extraordinary comeback: His injury was really serious, took him out because he was missing a step, has it back now after a great summer. He’s creative with a step back, with the swagger, a great sign.
About AP and WM: Veteran big guy, played through slow start, got hurt and will play/ Mitchell sees doc on Thursday for clearance, perhaps Det or St. Louis.
About 2 goalies: Supporting each other for the team/Quick good from the start, Bernier “a learning situation” to be the best he could be.
Roster, Jr. Hockey Championships–Brayden Schenn, #1 Center @ Juniors: He’ll be a great player on team/needs to improve checking, special teams, must cover #1 line after PP expires, will be a top six forward.
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, good recap
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hmm, the Cubs picked up a nice 1B today.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@Belexes, Really?? I was damn glad the Jays DIDN’T pick him up. His BA. could be a big liability.
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@Belexes, 10 million 4 one year overpaid baseball is to slow Hockey rules this blog site. VanKingsFan thanks for your eariler comments
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blk29 Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
@kinginsaltlake, Baseball is only slow if you’re unaware of all that is going on between pitches.
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This is very good news for the team regarding Mitch…..they could use him back there fast. Gives TM plenty of options…..
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puck73 Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
@Harty, Concur.
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Christmas a couple of weeks early. Thank you Santa
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Geting Mitchell back will be the best thing to happen this season so far.
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The trade winds and Santa are in the air. Can’t wait to see what Santa leaves under the tree. Maybe a left winger? Go Kings!
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getting WM back well get defense going in the right direction again,i think Alec Martinez stay in line up,you cant sit him,been to good these last games,pair him with Matt Green,thats 3 great defense pairs GO Kings GO
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