Martinez leaves game with upper-body injury

Alec Martinez sustained an upper-body injury on a heavy but legal shoulder-to-shoulder hit behind the Los Angeles net by Tampa Bay’s Cedric Paquette in the Kings’ 4-2 win Saturday evening at Amalie Arena.

Martinez attempted to remain on the bench for several moments before walking down the tunnel and into the dressing room. He did not return, and his status for Monday’s game in Columbus is uncertain.

When speaking to the media after the game, Darryl Sutter was not yet able to provide a firm appraisal of Martinez’s status other than to indicate that the team will continue to evaluate the defenseman. Because the Kings don’t play until Monday and have seven active defensemen on the roster, there is no immediate need to summon a player from AHL-Manchester.

More on Martinez and the Kings’ roster options will be shared from Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Sunday afternoon. The team is scheduled to skate at 1:00 p.m. local time.

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