Jack Johnson

Kings defenseman Jack Johnson will miss today’s contest vs. the Boston Bruins due to an upper body injury. The Team USA defenseman is listed as day-to-day. Randy Jones will take his place in the lineup.

Kings Injury Report | Hammond's Blog/comment

Johnson suffered the injury on Thursday during the second period of the Kings 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. On the play, Johnson was hit by Wayne Simmonds and Jared Boll during a collision on the boards. Johnson did not return to the game.

Terry Murray explained the injury during the Kings post game media availability: “Jack got hit on the hit that Simmer had on Boll. It’s a little bit of an upper-body injury. I haven’t got any medical report on it, quite honestly. I don’t think it’s something we are overly concerned about. We’re hoping that he’s able to recover from it and help us be a part of the next two games on the road.”

Johnson, who has tallied 5-14=19 in 52 games this season and was recently named to Team USA with teammates Jonathan Quick and Dustin Brown, returned to the ice on Friday and skated during the team’s practice in Boston.

“I skated today. It’s going to take a few days before I feel good again,” Johnson said on Friday after practice. “Hopefully it feels good sooner than later.”

Jones, who has been a healthy scratch that last four games since his last appearance on Jan. 19 vs. San Jose, has tallied 5-8=13 in 23 games. He is expected to be paired with Peter Harrold on the Kings blueline for tonight’s match up vs. Boston.

The Kings have lost 143 man games to injury thus far this season. Johnson will miss his second game due to injury, having sat out the Kings 2-1 loss at Calgary on Dec. 17 with a lower body injury.