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Los Angeles Kings Need to be Careful with Drew Doughty’s Minutes

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By @powerplaywithcj

Drew Doughty

Cary Edmondson-USA Today Sports

When the NHL suspended Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov for allegations of domestic violence, a gaping hole the Kings’ blue line was created. Voynov was second on the team in ice time behind superstar Drew Doughty and an integral part of the well-oiled machine that is the Kings.

With Voynov gone, the Kings have been playing Doughty more than his usual allotment, and in many cases over 30 minutes a game. While it’s an effective short-term solution, the Kings need to start thinking outside the box.

Ever since Darryl Sutter arrived in Los Angeles, regular season success has taken on little, if any importance. The team seeks to clinch a playoff spot, ensure everyone is healthy and rested, then lower the gauntlet with the playoffs starts. Playing Doughty an obscene amount of minutes so early completely deviates from that.

Despite his talent, conditioning and youth, it’ll be tough, if not impossible for Doughty to maintain this pace for the remaining 67 games of the season plus a possible playoff run.

Other defensemen such Brayden McNabb, Alec Martinez, and Jake Muzzin need to step up in order to fill some of the void left in Voynov’s absence, while simultaneously helping to keep Doughty fresh. If hey can’t, the Kings may need to explore trading for a veteran defenseman until Voynov’s case is resolved. Either way, something must be done to prevent an end-of-season burnout from arguably the most important cog in the Kings’ machine.

Obviously the legal proceedings with Voynov are much more important than the Kings’ defensive rotation. However, the coaching staff has to get more creative in doling out ice time because while Doughty played like Superman in last year’s playoffs, he’s human and eventually playing that many minutes will catch up to him.

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