Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper exited the game against the New York Rangers due to a crease collision late in the first period on Tuesday night. The Kings’ head coach, Jim Hiller, did not disclose the specifics of Kuemper’s injury and was uncertain about its severity following the Kings’ 4-3 win.
Hiller stated, “I don’t have much information to share. We may have more details by tomorrow.” Kuemper, slated to represent Canada at the upcoming Olympics, sustained the injury when the Rangers’ Jonny Brodzinski made contact with his head during a two-on-one rush towards the net.
Although the collision did not seem severe, Kuemper signaled for a stoppage in play shortly after. Subsequently, he skated cautiously before heading to the Kings’ dressing room with less than a minute remaining in the period. Kuemper had previously missed part of December due to a head injury from Mikko Rantanen, but Hiller suggested that his current injury is likely not as serious.
Kuemper rejoined the Kings on January 1 and has participated in nine of the team’s 11 games this month. Backup Anton Forsberg took over for Kuemper and delivered an exceptional performance, making 28 saves to secure the Kings’ victory.
At 35 years old, Kuemper was named to Canada’s Olympic roster alongside goalies Jordan Binnington and Logan Thompson. A veteran of 14 NHL seasons from Saskatchewan, Kuemper clinched the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
The Kings ended a four-game losing streak with the win over the Rangers and will resume play on Saturday with the start of a six-game road trip in St. Louis.