Carter encouraged by recovery progress

As noted earlier, Jeff Carter skated for approximately 20 minutes today after the Kings’ morning skate. Carter will miss his fourth consecutive game tonight, and it seems unlikely that he will play Saturday because of his ankle injury. The good news for Carter is that he seems confident that he would be able to return for the start of the playoffs, if the Kings qualify. A first-round series would start either Wednesday or Thursday. Here’s what Carter said today about his recovery and status…

CARTER: “I think, every day it’s starting to feel a little bit better. The next step for us was getting out there and seeing how it felt. It was a pretty good day.”

Question: Is it possible you would practice tomorrow?

CARTER: “I’m not sure. I would doubt it. I think I’ll probably get out there and do a little more (skating) and see how it responds. We’ll see how it feels tonight when I get to the game. It could seize up again. It’s just kind of a wait-and-see thing, you know?”

Question: Would you be ready for the start of the playoffs, or do you even know the timetable?

CARTER: “Oh yeah. I really don’t think that’s an issue. I should be good to go, with the way it has progressed over the last few days.”

Question: Have you ever had a bone bruise like this before?

CARTER: “No, I usually break them. [laughs] So this is different for me. … I rolled my ankle, and they just said that with rolling it so quick, the bones pound together.’’

As for Slava Voynov, here’s how the exchange went with Darryl Sutter. Voynov did not practice yesterday, after which Sutter was asked whether he expected Voynov to play tonight. Sutter said, “Yeah.” Voynov participated in today’s morning skate, but afterward, Sutter kept Voynov’s status a secret.

SUTTER: “You’ve got to push these young guys, right? It’s a tough schedule.’’

Question: Does that mean he’s going to play?

SUTTER: “I don’t know. You’ll see. I’m not going to lie to you and I’m not going to give you any secrets either. You’ll see tonight.’’