Kings’ Goalie Darcy Kuemper Exits Game Against Rangers with Injury
On January 20, 2026, at 11:24 PM ET, the Los Angeles Kings faced a concerning moment when their goalie, Darcy Kuemper, left the game against the New York Rangers due to an injury. The incident occurred late in the first period when Kuemper collided with Rangers’ player Jonny Brodzinski in the crease. Although the collision did not appear to be severe, Kuemper called for a stoppage in play and skated off the ice, heading to the dressing room with 38.8 seconds left in the period.
Los Angeles coach Jim Hiller was cautious about revealing the nature and severity of Kuemper’s injury, stating, “I don’t have too much to share. We’ll probably know a little bit more tomorrow.” This uncertainty has raised concerns, especially given Kuemper’s history of head injuries. In December, he sat out for part of the month after taking a hit to the head from Mikko Rantanen during a game against the Dallas Stars. However, Hiller believes that Kuemper’s current injury may not be comparable to the previous one, saying, “From what I’m gathering, I don’t think that’s going to be the case.”
Kuemper’s Injury and Its Potential Impact
Kuemper, who is set to play for Canada in the upcoming Olympics, has been an essential part of the Kings’ lineup. His injury could potentially impact the team’s performance, especially considering his recent return to the game after the previous injury. Kuemper had appeared in nine of the Kings’ 11 games in January before this incident. The Kings will be monitoring his condition closely, as they prepare for their next game on Saturday against the St. Louis Blues.
Backup goalie Anton Forsberg replaced Kuemper and made an impressive 28 saves, leading the Kings to a 4-3 victory over the Rangers. Forsberg’s performance was crucial in securing the win, and he expressed his focus on the game, saying, “It happened so quick, and it was the end of the period. A couple of seconds left, so at that point, just get through the first and see what happens after that. Focus on what I can do and just play my game.”
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Los Angeles Kings ended their four-game losing streak with the win against the New York Rangers, but the concern over Kuemper’s injury looms large. As the team prepares for their upcoming games, including a six-game trip starting on Saturday, they will be keeping a close eye on Kuemper’s recovery. With his experience and expertise, Kuemper is a vital component of the Kings’ lineup, and his absence could be felt. The team and fans will be awaiting updates on his condition, hoping for a swift and full recovery.
