NHL Injury Updates: Drew Doughty, Nikolaj Ehlers among many uncertain stretch runners

Towards the end of the NHL regular season, several injuries have begun to test the goaltending of the leading teams. More playoff-bound teams are making changes to their lineups: the Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, and Carolina Hurricanes. Indeed, some may be nearing the return, but most have already raised concerns as they build up to a greasy point slate without major forwards along with their absence of key players like defenseman Drew Doughty and forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

The Los Angeles Kings were recently confirmed to make the playoffs but had no veteran blue-liner Drew Doughty in action for their 2-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Indeed, Doughty has been dealing with a lot of ankle problems since the season injury, and Doughty did not take part in any practice before the match. These, however, have been called precautionary by the Kings' coaching. In addition, absence has taken another position thinner from an already skinny blue line with defenseman Joel Edmundson (upper body) aced. Coach Jim Hiller confirmed that Doughty remained status quo, and both players will be monitored on a day-by-day basis.

Forward Alex Turcotte took a step toward recovery, joining practice in a non-contact jersey. Although he certainly will not be back right away, the team has been very optimistic about his progress after missing the last seven games.

Other front-line losses included major offensive contributions. Nikolaj Ehlers missed his second game when he sat out for the Jets in their 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. He was earlier pulled after taking two pucks to the foot and maliciously to the leg. While he did participate in the morning skate and had a good comfort level, it wasn't quite enough for him to get back into the lineup just yet.
Meanwhile, head coach Scott Arniel updated others in recovery. Defenseman Neal Pionk inches closer to a comeback after a long-duration lower body injury. Forward Gabriel Vilardi will hit the ice soon. Meanwhile, Winnipeg, which occupies the top spot in the NHL, intends to keep doing what it does best by making it through the current setbacks.
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Concurrently, the Kings and Jets protect their rosters against injury while having a stake in postseason health. They both include assets instrumental to their team's prowess: Drew Doughty and Nikolaj Ehlers. For now, teams need patience and depth to brave the inevitable storm until their stars return at full strength.