Injuries, Defense Are Main Concerns

Dealing with injuries has become a problem for the Kings, who are trying to stay in the playoff race until at least the All-Star game on Jan. 18.

Defenseman Rob Blake, who did not play in Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Colorado, is expected to be out at least four weeks because of a broken right hand.

Enforcer Matt Johnson (right shoulder) and defenseman Sean O’Donnell (left wrist) are questionable for tonight’s game at Edmonton, but both may play at Vancouver on Thursday. Same thing for forwards Yanic Perreault (stomach) and Vitali Yachmenev (ankle), who are both listed as day-to-day.

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Having given up 127 goals, the defense is at the bottom of the Pacific Division. In their last nine games, the Kings have been outscored, 42-24. If they continue at this pace, they will give up more than 300 goals for the fourth time in the last five seasons. In the strike-shortened 1994-95 season, the Kings gave up 174 goals in 48 games.