Doughty says he’s `ready to play’

Drew Doughty’s status for tomorrow’s game at Dallas is still up in the air, but regardless, Doughty’s return will be sooner rather than later. Doughty participated in a full practice today and after, when asked about the possibility of Doughty playing in Dallas, Terry Murray said, “I’ve got to talk to our medical staff and just get everything sorted out.’’ Doughty echoed that sentiment as he talked after practice today…

DOUGHTY: “I was cleared to practice with the team and cleared to get some contact in practice. I feel really good. I feel ready to play and almost back to normal. Now it’s just kind of in the hands of the training staff and the coaching staff to put me in.’’

Question: Is playing tomorrow a possibility?

DOUGHTY: “I hope so. I really want to play tomorrow, really badly. It sucks being out, obviously, but like I said I’m ready to play but at the same time, it’s really just in the training staff’s hands.’’

Question: A couple days ago, you mentioned the possibility of needing a couple full-contact practices before you felt comfortable. Are you OK with that now?

DOUGHTY: “I think it was important to get some contact in today. We had some 3-on-2 drills down low, where I could throw some cross-checks and use my body a little bit. Definitely a couple more practices would be helpful, but at the same time I feel ready to go and want to get in there and quick as I can.’’