I stuck around after practice and talked to Drew Doughty, who skated and did some drills with assistant coach John Stevens for approximately 30 minutes today as part of his recovery from the big shoulder check he received from Philadelphia’s Zac Rinaldo last Saturday. Doughty is on injured reserve and can return on Tuesday at the earliest, and indicated that he’s setting that as a loose target…
DOUGHTY: “Every day, it’s been getting a lot better and hopefully I’ll be back as soon as I can. … I’m feeling a lot better. Compared to right after the game, the difference is dramatic, with how much better I’ve been. I think I’ve been making fast progress. I don’t really have a day back to shoot for yet, but hopefully I can be back for that game Tuesday. I don’t really know yet, just because so much can change in a couple days. That’s my goal, but at the same time I don’t want to rush back and re-injure myself or anything like that.”
Question: A little scary, when you first got hit?
DOUGHTY: “Yeah, I was a little scared just because last year I had that concussion right around the same time, and I think that concussion kind of set me back for the first half of the season last year. So I’m just really happy it wasn’t my head again, because I think that’s a scary thing for everyone throughout the organization, or anyone in general. I’m just really happy that wasn’t the case.”
Question: You were skating and doing some passing out there. Have you been able to shoot?
DOUGHTY: “I was shooting a little bit yesterday. They’ve just been skating me hard and working me out hard. It’s almost harder being injured. You do a lot more work and you’re at the rink for a lot longer too. It’s definitely really hard to come back from an injury, mentally and physically.”
DD8 said: “…It’s definitely really hard to come back from an injury, mentally and physically.”
Uh oh, I think the mental part of his game was ost affected by that Cole hit last year too… Let’s hope he can get back to just playing all out!
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Yeah its harder just keep thinking about the 7 million it will come easier on you.
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Bleedblueking Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Jay GoLAKings, if u want to hate the best players on your team go be a duks fan
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ValleyKingsFan Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@Bleedblueking, He’s not hating, just telling Drew to keep his eye on the prize. By the way, Kopitar is the best player on our team.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@ValleyKingsFan, Agreed…Kopitar is our best player!
luc20rules Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@ValleyKingsFan, I agree, Kopi, but how good will Doughty be at 26? Its scary to think about especially if he starts focusing on fitness and health to the extent that Brown does.
JD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:39 pm
@ValleyKingsFan, doughty would be harder to replace
OneTimer Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Jay GoLAKings, Some of you people seriously, seriously need to find some new material. I’m surprised a fat joke wasn’t thrown in for good measure.
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I hope Doughty makes me eat crow.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@Tito Jackson, I’m sure he will……
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Nice confirmation of no concussion.
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Get well soon Drew, your a force we need to have.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@Jay GoLAKings, Wise comment Obi One.
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So DD has tennis elbow?
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SDKing Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@Dominick,
Im guessing a shoulder issue….
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@SDKing, I was joking. It’s really he’s been hiding out with Hiedi in a hotel in La Mirada.
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daryl Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Dominick, lol…you must be from LM to know about it
trytodethroneus Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@Dominick,
I thought I recognized his vehicle
Duckbasher Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@Dominick, – DD8 is one lucky son of a gun… even if it’s in La Mirada. I miss Heidi.
DougS Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:40 pm
@SDKing,
the whole deliberately vague “Upper Body/Lower Body Injury” thing seems pointless to me in an age when everyone everywhere can see video of what happened, on demand and in slo-mo, too. It shouldn’t be that hard to make a reasonable guess about how and where you were injured.
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Stuart Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@Dominick, is that like nintendo thumb or strokers-tunnel-syndrome?
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@Stuart, Not sure, but I heard if he keeps doing it he’ll go blind.
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Stuart Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@Dominick, and if you stare, you’ll surely get a sty!!
Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@Dominick, Paper cut from counting his money. Lord have percy on who ever he hip checks with his walet side pocket.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@Andrew, Bandage it up with $50″s and let’s play some hockey.
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Dominick, Mercy* and Lol Doughty is calling the federal reserve anf asking them if they can bring back the 500 dollar bill before he has back problems from leaning to one side
SDKing Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Dominick,
I hope Heidi is ok. Must be hard laying on top of all that dough.. (pun intended)
JAB64SKI Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Dominick, you guys make me lol xD
well i hope u come back well and 100% and i hope u turn to this beast and be the best Defense/Offense u really can be!!! Come on Doughty wake up!!! The Kings need ur help
even tho Voynov holding his own but still better to have our team full strength
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I feel bad for Voynov, he’s played better the Martinez & Drewiske, but he’ll most likely be sent down since he’s not subject to waivers.
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AZ King Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Dave,
I don’t think he’s played better than Martinez. He and Drewiske haven’t been in the same game, so I don’t know how you can compare the two. I honestly haven’t been blown away by Voynov’s play, and don’t understand all the hype. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I haven’t seen anything that makes me think he’s going to stay up here when Drew gets back.
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RobSD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@AZ King,
He has played excellent for his first two NHL games. He was excellent in preseason. I think he will be a top defenseman for many years.
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bobknob Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@RobSD,
alright, I was hoping as much as anyone that vv would stick with the team after preseason, but I definitely wouldn’t say he played great. He got jammed up many times trying to handle d to d passes, he was out of position a couple times in his own zone and was generally a bit too passive and timid out there.
Deke'r Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@RobSD, Key phrase…”will be”…
bryanagee Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@AZ King,
The PP absolutely clicks with Voynov out there. I wish he could stay. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. Martinez has a good shot. Is that enough, though? Time will tell.
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AZ King Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@bryanagee,
The PP was clicking before Voynov. I haven’t seen him make any plays that have led to a goal on the PP.
bryanagee Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@AZ King,
Yep. There have been a couple because I was specifically watching him. I was going to add that to my earlier comment. If there were points for third assists, he would have a couple on the PP. I watch him (and the replays closely) as I have him on my fantasy team.
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brian spain Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:27 am
@AZ King, AZ these are the same guys who said all last year…play Bernier play Bernier. They think just because a person in the NHL say a guy is a top prospect that it must be true and you have to play this guy. Quick is so much better than Bernier, his only problem last year was his puck handling and he seams to have got this under control. He is making quick decisions and hasn’t got caught with hesitation but a couple times this year. Voynov is o.k. but he is not close to as good as Martinez. Martinez knows when to jump into the play without hesitation, he gets his shot off almost every time. Voynov may be good but he’s not great.
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Helvetica Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Dave, Thats the thing people keep forgetting with the issues on who to keep on D. Voynov can be sent down and recalled without fear of losing him.
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It’s shoulder. So, Drew. A little free advice. When you do get back…. keep your head up!
We need you in every game.
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IMHO, when Doughty comes back put Jack Johnson up on forward, move Voynov into Jacks spot, my guess is Jack will be a + player and dominate at forward.
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RobSD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@Puckindnet,
I soooo agree but it will never happen. Isn’t JJ a plus right now?
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fsd1 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Puckindnet, Going out on a limb, and repeating what I believe, JJ will NEVER be moved to a wing on a permanent basis.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@fsd1, or even a temporary basis.
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Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@Puckindnet, Oh yea, maybe Kopitar can be Goalie, so he can get more icetime…
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JAB64SKI Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, LOL
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Duckbasher Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@Puckindnet, JJ really is a great skater and has a knack for offense. I agree, I’d like to see him play at least a couple of games at forward at some point.
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JD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@Puckindnet, what is this JJ playing D stuff, JJ will never play D
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At least the clown who hit you is back in the minors.
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RobSD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@Dominick,
That will probably be his claim to fame. He’ll be telling his grand kids how he took out the hall of famer Doughty
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Deke'r Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@RobSD, ….more than I have to tell my grandkids……oh wait…I don’t have grandkids.
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I need suggestions for a new name! I don’t feel like battling to the death for my name lol.
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PurpleBlacknGold Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@Andrew, Androo?
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Shakes Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@Andrew,
Top 10 Potential New Andrew Names:
1. Andrew 2
2. Andrew2D2
3. Andrew: the second coming
4. Jesus
5. Kris Kontos The All Stars (sounds more like a band name actually)
6. Bailey’s Buddha
7. Handy Andy
8. Andrew Bernard (Office reference)
9. Andrew Strikes Back
10. An-deux
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Shakes Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@Shakes,
Edit: Kris Kontos & The All Stars
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@Shakes, number 3 is epic. Voting closes at five Pdt everyone vote lol
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Deke'r Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@Andrew, Variation on #6….BuddhaBaily…
Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@Shakes,@AZ King, @PurpleBlackandGold and @SLIM haha these are all funny good job guys!
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Andrew: the second coming Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@Shakes, I chose number three thanks broski!
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Shakes Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 12:22 am
@Andrew: the second coming,
Hahaha no prob! Of course I also get 10% of the complements you receive on any future posts.
AZ King Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@Andrew,
You could always go with Aandrewww
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SLIM Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@Andrew,
Try RealAndrew..
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Stuart Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Andrew, you can go with Alsodrew?
But I think one of the drews is now AndrewtheAwesomeOne… that should make it clear.
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@Stuart, that was me but i didnt like it haha
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Andrew, How bout “Awsomo8000″?
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Michael J. Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Andrew,
Andrew J.
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@Michael J., Nice. hahaha
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Michael J. Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@Andrewor YDrew
“Y” as in “and” en Espanol
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@Andrew, Wrong one. Should of been “Awsom-O”
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King Doughnuts Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@Andrew, …………..Androll
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Jay GoLAKings Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@Andrew,
“Lord Andrew”
“Tweeners”
“King Andrew”
“Slap this”
“What a” (What a Reply:)
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trytodethroneus Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@Andrew,
An(drew)doughty
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rumpa#19 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Andrew, Bizzarro Andrew , but i thought you already changed it?
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rumpa#19 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@rumpa#19, Seams the other Andrew renamed himself AndrewTheAwesumeOne.
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@rumpa#19, no that was mee I didnt like it so i asked you guys.
King without a crown Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@Andrew, Candy Andy
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IceGuy Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@King without a crown,
Druid.
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Management forbids the media from asking about specifics of the “upper body injury” so that Rich won’t “target” the area when he interviews him!
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Wow, no “I guess I’ll play Tuesday if they want me to.”
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Jersey’s probably thinkin, Tuesday? damn, that sucks.
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Bill M. Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:27 pm
@Dominick, Nah, they are thinking “Awesome, we get Drew the one game back BEFORE he finds his groove and gets unstoppable”
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@Bill M.,
Now THAT is a nice one!
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Does anybody know the practice times for tomorrow & Sunday? Thanks.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@Howe 9, Tomorrow is a game, so just a morning skate probably, dont know about Sunday
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Does he have to come back?
Kings haven’t let in a goal in the 2 games he’s been out. JMFJ is playing outstanding and the powerplay is actually working.
I wouldn’t mind him staying on injured reserve for a couple more weeks.
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Deke'r Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@KingFanMGM, …that’s cold dude…
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Stickboy Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@KingFanMGM, I agree…take some time, make sure it’s 100%
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Drew, have you been able to get any shopping in since you went on IR?
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only think about this i dont like is that voynov gets sent back down.
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Awesome news! just a thought..how about send Alec Martinez back in the AHL and keep Slava Voynov
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JD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@lakingsphan0427, no, martinez is the better player right now
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Branzilla Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:47 pm
@lakingsphan0427, That would be a resounding no.
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