Frolov to sit out at least two games

Black Friday apparently doesn’t apply only to frantic post-Thanksgiving shopping excursions.

It’s not enough that the Kings have won only once in their last seven games, have scored one time in three games and are facing two road games against Pacific Division power San Jose in the span of five days.

On Friday came news that leading scorer Alexander Frolov (four goals, 20 points) will sit out at least two games, possibly more, because of an injured right groin. Not the left groin, which has plagued him the last couple of months.

Now, it’s the other side, courtesy of what Kings Coach Marc Crawford called a “freak accident” against the Ducks on Nov. 15 when Frolov stepped on a puck in the third period.

Frolov, who said there have been one or two games this season where he has been “completely healthy,” has been attempting to nurse the injury by not practicing between games, but it became clear that approach needed to be shelved. For example, against Dallas and Phoenix, he played strong first periods and then the injury, and his effectiveness, became worse as the game went along.

“I’d have a couple of days off and it would get better,” Frolov said. “You feel not that bad . . . and then it’s getting worse and worse . . . Sometimes, it’s better to take some games off and get back in the lineup.”

Crawford is ready to do what it takes with Frolov’s injury even if it means as much as a week or 10 days off. Still, on the slightly brighter side, Frolov said this injury was not as bad as his previous one.

With Scott Thornton suffering a bruised sternum Wednesday at Phoenix and “extremely doubtful” for tonight at San Jose and for Sunday against the Ducks, the Kings are suddenly vulnerable in terms of numbers at forward.

That could improve if enforcer Raitis Ivanans (broken cheekbone) and forward Kyle Calder (broken thumb) return to the lineup tonight. Crawford was “very optimistic” about Ivanans and said it would come down to a game-day decision for the both players, who practiced Friday.

Calder, in particular, could provide a significant boost to a faltering Kings’ power play, which is 0 for 14 in the last three games. He will wear a cast on his left thumb under his glove.

“There are limitations to what I can and can’t do,” said Calder, who has three goals and six points in 13 games. “

--

TONIGHT

at San Jose, 7:30, FSN West

Radio -- 1150.

Site -- HP Pavilion.

Records -- Kings 8-12-1, Sharks 11-7-3.

Record vs. Sharks -- 1-1.

Update -- The Sharks are coming off a November mini-sabbatical -- a week off between games -- a lot like the Kings’ break earlier this month. Their last action, Nov. 17, resulted in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Ducks.

--

lisa.dillman@latimes.com