With three games in four days, the Kings had an optional practice today in which many members of the team did not skate. The big news of the day was the injury to Jack Johnson vs. San Jose the night before.

JOHNSON OUT; HARROLD AND QUINCEY IN
The Kings placed Johnson on IR today and claimed Kyle Quincey off waivers from Detroit. Johnson injured his shoulder on an innocent looking play iin the second period vs. San Jose last night, in a collision with rugged winger Mike Grier. With the puck in the air, Johnson attempted to reach up and grab it bare handed and come down and hit Grier. The two collided at an awkward angle. Johnson was unable to continue.

Kings Head Coach Terry Murray revealed today that Johnson has a partial tear of the labrum in his left shoulder, will have surgery later this week and is expected to be sidelined 2-3 months.

As a result, the Kings claimed Quincey off of waivers and he is expected to join the team, perhaps as early as tomorrow.

"It's another challenge and hopefully a good opportunity for myself. I'll just try to make the best of it," Quincy told the Detroit Free Press.

Quincey, at 6-2, 207, has appeared in 13 games in his NHL Career with the Detroit Red Wings, scoring 1-0=1, with a minus-3 rating and four PIM. During the 2006-07 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he also appeared in 13 contests, going scoreless with six shots on net and two PIM.

Peter Harrold is expected to fill in for Johnson as Matt Greene’s partner on left defense. Both Greene and Harrold are natural right shots and Harrold is expected to make the switch from right to left defense.

Although today was an optional skate, Harrold practiced on left defense.

"We will get Peter Harrold back into the lineup," Murray said, "we will have to make an adjustment on the sides these defenseman play on. Someone will have to be on the left side. Peter practiced on the left side today. That will be what we will have to look at right now."

"It is a team game, it gives another opportunity for another player."

Harrold spoke with Jim Fox after practice about the opportunity.

"I think either one of us will be able to play the left side pretty well," Harrold said of himself and Greene. "We will probably work well together."

Harrold also spoke of making the transition.

“You are aware of it when you are out there,  you may compensate a little," he said. "It’s a little different but lots of guys do it.

"I think we will be ready to go."

Quincey, a left shot, might also get an opportunity to play with Greene.

"We will get him in, get a look at him and probably get him right into the game," Murray said. "He is a good-sized defenseman and our pro scouts have been watching him and like a lot what they are seeing.

"He is going to get an opportunity right away."

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