The Winnipeg Jets could be without veteran defenseman Luke Schenn to begin a three-game road trip tonight against the Los Angeles Kings.
Schenn exited Tuesday morning's practice after what HC Scott Arniel described as "stiffening up." He's played nine games since coming over on the trade deadline, recording one assist and averaging 17:42 of ice time.
While Schenn exited with an injury, Neal Pionk returned from his. He skated for the first time since he was announced week-to-week with a lower-body injury but did not participate in any line rushes.
If Schenn can't go, it'll likely be Haydn Fleury who steps back into the Jets' lineup.
Tonight's test will be a difficult one. The Jets have lost their previous two meetings to the Kings this season and with the Dallas Stars breathing down their necks, they need every point they can muster.
The Kings play a hard-nosed game, rostering a plethora of heavy forwards looking to dump the puck in behind the red line and win it back. Schenn's physical nature would bode well in tonight's game if he is able to play.
The Kings also own the best home record this season, accumulating 27 wins, four regulation losses and four overtime losses.
This battle between the two best defensive teams in hockey could be an early view of what the playoffs may look like.
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Line Combinations: Jets at KingsThe 51-19-4 Winnipeg Jets are in Los Angeles where they will take on the 41-23-9 Kings on Tuesday night in the first test of a three-game west coast road trip.
