Los Angeles (13-14-6) at Columbus (14-15-4), 7:00 pm EST
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Still searching for their first
postseason appearance, the Columbus Blue Jackets' chances have
taken a serious hit.
The Blue Jackets have lost rookie center Derick Brassard for the
remainder of the season. They'll begin the journey without
Brassard on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings.
Columbus announced Monday that Brassard will undergo surgery on
his dislocated right shoulder. The surgery will be performed in
early January.
Brassard suffered the injury during a first-period fight with
the Dallas Stars' James Neal during Thursday's 6-5 loss.
One of the top candidates to take the Calder Trophy before the
injury, the 21-year-old Brassard has 10 goals and 15 assists in
31 games and leads all NHL rookies in scoring.
The Blue Jackets certainly missed Brassard on Saturday when the
club suffered a 2-0 setback to the Phoenix Coyotes.
The Kings are hoping to avoid a fifth straight loss. Los
Angeles squandered a late lead during Saturday's 6-4 loss to the
Detroit Red Wings, allowing three goals in the final four
minutes of the contest.
Jon Quick is expected to make his second consecutive start in
net for the Kings.