The franchise cornerstone defenseman said he was ready to play Thursday morning following an upper-body injury scare from the previous game. Doughty participated in the morning skate, partnered with Oscar Fantenberg, before the Kings play the Columbus Blue Jackets. Two nights earlier, Doughty was struck in the hand on a shot from Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and left the game.
Doughty’s return gives the Kings seven available defensemen, but Dion Phaneuf remains in Los Angeles with an upper-body injury, interim coach Willie Desjardins said.
It killed Doughty to watch Tuesday’s finish, when the Kings got down to four and then three defensemen.