Injury Toll Is Not as Heavy

The Kings hoped they had done away with the phrase, discarded it for good, but they have continued to accrue “man-games lost to injury” after setting a team record in the category last season.

Through 14 games, the Kings have lost 85 man-games to injury and are on pace to fall a little short of last season’s record of 536.

Jason Allison, Adam Deadmarsh, Brad Norton and prospect Jared Aulin have sat out every game this season. None of them are expected to return soon, although Deadmarsh, out because of post-concussion syndrome since last December, has increased his workout regimen in recent weeks.

Allison, out since January because of whiplash, has been taking medication for post-traumatic migraine symptoms that might be the cause of vision problems and headaches he had been experiencing. Allison has been skating in an on-again, off-again pattern the past week.

Norton, out because of a lacerated forearm, might return next month, and Aulin, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in a September rookie game, might not return this season.

Despite the injuries, the Kings have one more victory then they did last season through 14 games. The Kings secured seven of a possible eight points on a four-game trip that ended Monday with a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals.

“We’re playing hard,” King Coach Andy Murray said. “It’s nice to come on the road and get some wins.”

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Center Jozef Stumpel won’t play until at least Nov. 19 because of a chest injury he sustained Oct. 25 against the Chicago Blackhawks. The injury is akin to the bruised chest suffered by defenseman Mattias Norstrom, although Stumpel’s injury also involves cartilage damage in the rib area. He has sat out six games.

“He’s progressing daily,” Murray said. “Norstrom had a similar injury. He was out three weeks. We’re hoping Jozef Stumpel is a fast healer as well.”