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Los Angeles Kings star defenseman Drew Doughty left Wednesday's preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights with a lower body injury after colliding with forward Tanner Pearson.
The incident occurred midway through the first period when Doughty went to finish a check on Pearson near the Kings' blue line.
As Doughty made contact, his left foot went into the boards, causing him to fall to the ice in pain. Doughty was helped off the ice by the trainer and players and did not return to the game.
After the collision, fans took to social media to speculate on the extent of Doughty's injury.
One fan questioned:
"Dislocated ankle?”
Another fan wrote:
"Definitely broken, just awful.”
Here are some fan reactions:
"A lot of fans that had their favorite teams play him in playoffs don't like him. Not this Oiler fan, the guy is a warrior, and I hope he has a speedy recovery." one fan commented on X.
"Old father age catching up to Drew not as fast, result is chasing rushed decision, price is injury. That is Reality folks!" another fan wrote.
"Man that’s honestly heartbreaking Drew is one the classiest dudes in the nhl from all I hear we are all routing for ya big guy" a user commented.
"Man that stinks. Preseason they gotta get ready but this is always the fear. Such a good pro, good luck to him hopefully nothing major." another user wrote.
The star defenseman played in all 82 regular games last season, scoring 15 goals and 35 assists.
Los Angeles Kings HC Jim Hiller on Drew Doughty injury
Kings head coach Jim Hiller remained tight-lipped about Drew Doughty's injury following the team's narrow 3-2 victory.
While Hiller did not have many details, he said the team's medical staff would further evaluate Drew Doughty's injury when the team returns to Los Angeles.
The Kings got goals from Alex Laferriere, Tanner Jeannot and Warren Foegele, while the Knights scored via Noah Hanifin and Tanner Laczynski.
In the previous preseason game, the Kings lost 3-2 to the Utah Hockey Club. Next, Los Angeles will face the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
