The hope for the pre-season is for teammates to start to gel together, and to get through the games without any injuries. Generally, the Kings have been lucky in regards to the latter, but that came to an end last night in Vancouver.
With around five minutes left in a tied game, Canucks defenseman Michael Del Zotto hit Jonny Brodzinski from behind, sending Brodzinski into the boards. Brodzinski stayed down as a scrum ensued around him and was seen clutching his arm. He did not return to the game after the injury.
Del Zotto received a two-minute boarding penalty, during which the Kings struggled to control the puck and only had one shot attempt, a missed shot by Jake Muzzin.
Jon Rosen confirmed today that Brodzinski will be sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder injury. Initial reports from Vancouver radio media indicated that the injury is a separated shoulder.
Jonny Brodzinski out indefinitely with a shoulder injury, via hockey ops.
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) September 21, 2018
This is obviously a huge blow for Brodzinski, who was finally in a position to claim a spot as an NHL regular. Placed on a line last night with two other skilled players in Adrian Kempe and Alex Iafallo, Brodzinski registered one assist and played 9:58, almost all at even strength. (Kempe and Iafallo both saw significant special teams time.)
Things may be less than ideal here in Los Angeles, but we are happy to report that @adriankempe and @Brodzyy were able to share a hug in Vancouver 🤗 pic.twitter.com/LpLwWJJY5v
— LA Kings (@LAKings) September 21, 2018
In his previous pre-season game against the Coyotes, Brodzinski led the team in Corsi for at even strength with 66.67%, was on the ice for seven shots for and only two shots against, and logged more than 14 minutes of ice time.
Best wishes to Jonny Brodzinski on a swift and full recovery.