January 18 practice notes

I was kept away from El Segundo today due to personal reasons, but from several conversations I had with those who were there, here’s what happened:

-Today’s practice was optional. Many of the more veteran players and those who receive heavy minutes didn’t take the ice today. Instead, it was the assistant coaches leading a practice that included most of the players who populate the third and fourth lines and deeper defensive pairings. J.F. Berube was the only goaltender who practiced; Martin Jones was present but didn’t skate.

Small group at @LAKings practice which appears to be optional 44/73 skating Berube only goalie in ice!

A photo posted by Jim Fox (@pucksly19) on

-Tyler Toffoli and Robyn Regehr were among those who practiced. Toffoli’s participation appeared to be slightly ramped up from previous days, when he joined his teammates as practice was winding down. From the accounts I’ve heard, he was wearing a red jersey for the second consecutive day and was a more active participant.

-Darryl Sutter did not speak with the media. Really, there wasn’t much going on at the practice facility, other than several meetings, players receiving treatment, and a handful of players taking the ice for an optional practice.

The Flames also practiced at Toyota Sports Center. Several notes:

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