Doughty speaks

Drew Doughty will miss his sixth consecutive game tomorrow because of concussion symptoms, but when asked about Doughty’s possible availability for Thursday’s home game against Tampa Bay, coach Terry Murray sounded optimistic. “That’s the game I have him penciled in for,” Murray said. “That’s all contingent on what the doctors say. I’ll just react to what they tell me.” Doughty also gave an update on his status today…

DOUGHTY: “I’m feeling good, getting better every day and just looking forward to getting back.”

Question: Do you think you might be able to be back Thursday?

DOUGHTY: “I don’t really have a timetable for you right now. As I said, I’m feeling better every day and just hoping to recover fast but smartly, and be back as soon as I can.”

Question: Are you still feeling symptoms when you push yourself hard on the ice?

DOUGHTY: “I’ve been feeling good. I think, right now, it’s just making sure I’m ready to get back in game form. Without being able to practice with team, being back here in L.A., it’s tough to do that. So hopefully I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Question: Did it scare you at all, when it happened?

DOUGHTY: “Not really. It’s part of hockey and it happens every day. I haven’t had a injury that has kept me out of games for a while now, so it was bound to happen I think, but hopefully I can get back in the games and not get hurt again.”

Question: Did you initially think you might be able to keep playing?

DOUGHTY: “I didn’t know. It was a tough decision. It was kind of in the doctors’ hands. They had to evaluate me and see how I was feeling. Obviously I wasn’t feeling too good, so I didn’t get to go back out there.”

Question: What did you think of the hit (by Erik Cole)?

DOUGHTY: “When I looked at it on TV, or on the Internet, I thought it wasn’t too bad. He did brace himself to make the hit, but I think that’s just because he saw me coming. I don’t think he had any intention of hurting me, or even hitting me. It was just kind of a case where we ran into each other, and it was just unfortunate. I was the only one who got hurt.”

Question: What did you think of the way the team played during the road trip?

DOUGHTY: “It’s great. I’m really happy. I was back at home being their biggest fan, watching the games. I was really happy with the way they were playing. I thought they played great. That game they lost in Chicago, I thought it was their game to win. Overall, we’re really happy with how the road trip went, and now, going forward, we’re home for a little bit here and hopefully we can do the same thing.”