It has just been confirmed that the LA Kings' star forward and highest point scorer of the regular season, Kevin Fiala, will be missing game 1 of the NHL playoff round 1 matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, and may be out for the entire best-of-7 game series. This breaking news comes after Fiala and Vilardi did not participate in the morning's practice, with Fiala not even skating on his own. While Vilardi skated the day before, he will also be absent in tonight's game.
The news is a major setback for the Kings' playoff hopes, as Fiala's absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the ice. Nonetheless, the Oilers will be looking to seize this opportunity and take the lead in the series. It is still uncertain whether Fiala will be able to return later in the playoffs, but for now, the Kings will have to find a way to manage without their star forward.
