With Mikey Anderson sidelined week-to-week, the LA Kings will need to find ways to remain solid defensively. Look no further than Matt Roy.
As any team can attest to at this juncture of the season, including the LA Kings, injuries are inevitable — a thorn in the side, if you will. The Kings, in particular, are without the services of Viktor Arvidsson and Carl Grundstrom. But on Thursday versus Nashville, the silver-and-black endured another injury with defenseman Mikey Anderson getting sidelined.
Week-to-week with an upper-body injury, it goes without saying that Anderson’s injury comes at an inopportune time for the Kings. The 24-year-old, after all, is one of the team’s best blueliners, as his 104 blocked shots and 90 hits support. Yet, while some fans of the silver-and-black may be content to lean closer to the panic button, someone like Matt Roy can, and does, ease those concerns.
In 55 games this season, Roy has registered 122 blocked shots and 110 hits. He has also averaged 20:59 of ice time thus far. However, on Saturday night, the Detroit native stepped it up a notch in Anderson’s absence.
A Shooting Machine
Looking to rebound from their 4-1 loss on Thursday, the Kings turned to Roy take on the defensive load. He did just that, logging 24:34 of total ice time and even leading his team with 10 shots on goal.
“Yeah, I didn’t really know that until Carrlyn [Bathe] said that,” an amused Roy admitted of his 10 shots. “I don’t know. I don’t know what happened but it’s nice to get shots on net and just trying to get the puck to the forwards down there.”
When asked if he remembers the last time he had double-digits in shots, Roy was succinct.
“I don’t know. Probably minor hockey.”
Roy’s efforts helped the LA Kings earn a 2-1 shootout win versus the Anaheim Ducks. But there was more to Roy’s nights than his individual contributions.
With Brandt Clarke
On Saturday, the former 7th-rounder was paired with 19-year-old Brandt Clarke. Despite the latter playing on his off-side for the first time in his career, Roy was determined to help the youngster feel at ease.
“I think, as a young guy, it’s important to make him feel comfortable regardless of where he’s at on the ice,” noted the 28-year-old. “Just try to make the game as easy as I can on him and just letting him play his game.”
While every win from here on out will be important, Saturday’s should have some extra emphasis. With the victory, the Kings are now tied with Edmonton for third in the Pacific Division. This coming after the Oilers’ loss on Saturday night. Additionally, with their shootout loss in Ottawa on Saturday, the Vegas Golden Knights hold just a three-point lead on the Kings and Oilers for second in the division.
With all of that in mind, the Kings head north for their most crucial road swing to date. That trip begins on Monday in Edmonton, followed by dates in Calgary and Vancouver.
Roy was asked just how important these next few games are for him and the LA Kings.
“Just have to win,” he responded. “We need to find a way to win against these opponents. These are big games coming up and we know that. So, we need to come prepared.”
Since Jim Hiller took over as a head coach, the LA Kings are 6-2-0. Here’s hoping those winning ways continue at this crucial juncture.
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