What Happened
The Los Angeles Kings announced that defenseman Brandt Clarke would not return to Thursday night's game against the Ottawa Senators after suffering an upper-body injury. The injury came at 11:15 of the second period, when Senators forward Hayden Hodgson elbowed Clarke in the head during a dump-in, sending him into the corner boards. Hodgson was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Clarke had logged 11:37 of ice time and recorded an assist before exiting in the Kings' 6-5 overtime win.
Key Details
- Clarke left at 11:15 of the second period after an elbow to the head from Hayden Hodgson.
- Hodgson received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct on the play.
- Clarke recorded an assist and played 11:37 before the injury.
- Coach Peter Laviolette did not provide a postgame update on Clarke's status.
- Clarke has three goals and nine points in 12 games this season.
- Los Angeles forwards Mats Zuccarello, Alex Turcotte and Kevin Fiala are on injured reserve.
What It Means
Clarke has been a central part of Los Angeles' blue line, ranking second on the team in scoring with nine points in 12 games while averaging 19:04 of ice time. The Kings are already without forwards Mats Zuccarello, Alex Turcotte and Kevin Fiala, all on injured reserve, so any extended absence for Clarke would further thin a lineup that relies on his composure and production from the back end.
What's Next
The Kings have not announced a timeline for Clarke, and Laviolette offered no postgame update. His status will likely become clearer before Los Angeles' next game, with the team already managing several injuries up front.