Kings’ Sandstrom Out at Least a Week

Wing Tomas Sandstrom, the Kings’ leading goal scorer, will be out of action for at least a week because of a small fracture in his lower back.

Sandstrom left Thursday’s game in St. Louis with what was originally thought to be a contusion in the back area. But an examination by team physician Steve Lombardo Friday revealed the fracture.

Sandstrom was injured during the third period when he slid into one of the posts holding up the net.

His injury will not require a cast or a brace, Lombardo said.

The injury ends Sandstrom’s hottest streak since he joined the team last season in a trade with the New York Rangers.

He was chosen NHL player of the week last week for scoring eight goals in three games and 11 points in four.

Sandstrom, playing on the Kings’ first line with Wayne Gretzky and Tony Granato, has 17 goals to lead the team and 32 points in 25 games.