Though Willie Mitchell took the ice at the Kings’ morning skate at the Honda Center today, Darryl Sutter all but ruled him out when asked if the veteran defenseman was an option in Game 7.
“No, he skated once with the group,” Sutter said. “So he’s not an option.”
Mitchell appeared to suffer the injury during an awkward fall while killing a five-on-three power play in Game 6 against San Jose. He skated by himself before Tuesday’s practice, took the ice with a limited group at practice on Thursday, and rejoined the full team for the first time during today’s morning skate.
He remained on the ice for extra work after the morning skate, another indication – not that one was needed – that he won’t be in tonight’s lineup.
“He’s been in the league a long time. He’s a really good player,” Drew Doughty said of Mitchell. “He’s good at the PK and shutting down other team’s players. He’s just an overall good player and he’s been a big part of this team for a number of years now. We’d love to have him back, but if not, the other guys will do the job.”
Robyn Regehr, who suffered an undisclosed injury in Game 1 against Anaheim, has not resumed skating.
Kings coach Darryl Sutter says Willie Mitchell NOT an option for tonight. Mitchell just wanted a skate with full team
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) May 16, 2014
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