Garon is injured during practice

Kings goaltender Mathieu Garon suffered a groin injury during practice Wednesday and will not play in today’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Garon was hurt making a save at the end of practice. He stretched his left leg to block a shot on net, then immediately collapsed and had to be helped off the ice.

Garon will undergo treatment but said, “I’ve never had this before so maybe I’ll respond quickly, maybe I’ll be feeling better tomorrow. There is no reason to panic.�

There could be some call for panic, given that the Kings have to start Dan Cloutier in net.

Cloutier has struggled this season and has a 3.67 goals-against average, and .868 save percentage -- among the worst in the league.

“It’s unfortunate when anyone gets injured, but it also means there is an opportunity for another player,� Coach Marc Crawford said. “Dan has an opportunity to come in and have a real good game.�

Cloutier has not played since Nov. 22, when he gave up five goals in 12 shots against the San Jose Sharks.

Garon had played three consecutive games, winning the last two. He has 2.65 goals-against and .903 save percentage.

The Kings recalled Barry Brust, the backup goalie from their American Hockey League team in Manchester, N.H. The team did not want to risk recalling Jason LaBarbera -- Garon’s backup last season for the Kings -- because he would have to clear reverse waivers before he could join the team.

“If it was later in the season, maybe we would chance calling up Jason,� Crawford said. “Right now, Dan has a chance to build on our strong performances and keep the winning streak alive, and see how Mathieu responds.�

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News on other injured Kings wasn’t much better.

Defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky, who missed the last six games with a groin injury, suffered a setback and is not allowed to skate. Tverdovsky was put on injured reserve Wednesday to make room from Brust.

Forward Alyn McCauley, who is rehabilitating from two knee surgeries, is doing “controlled� workouts, according to Crawford, but is nowhere close to being ready to play.

Defenseman Brent Sopel, out with a broken ankle and a broken bone in his hand, underwent an MRI Monday and “is progressing,� Crawford said. He will undergo another examination next week to determine whether he can resume skating.

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TONIGHT

at Phoenix, 6 PST, FSN West

Site -- Glendale Arena.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Kings 9-13-4, Coyotes 8-15-0.

Record vs. Coyotes -- 2-1-0.

Update -- Cloutier gave up three goals on seven shots the last time the Kings played Phoenix. The Kings rallied for a 5-3 victory in that game.

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