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Tomorrow’s practice may determine Justin Williams’ availability for Game 1

Justin Williams, Kari Lehtonen

Los Angeles Kings’ Justin Williams, left, scores past Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen, of Finland, during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Los Angeles on Monday, March 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

AP

While his status is still up in the air, it’s sounding more and more like Justin Williams might be able to return for the Los Angeles Kings’ Game 1 against the Sharks in San Jose. That being said, it’s still not a sure thing by any means, as Rich Hammond reports that Williams and the Kings are likely to make the call after Tuesday’s practice.

Williams has been sidelined with a dislocated shoulder since March 22. He’s reportedly about a week ahead of the original one-month estimate for his injury, but it’s unclear if he will be able to play on Thursday.

Los Angeles might benefit from starting on Thursday rather than Wednesday, as Williams and the team get an extra day to think it over and test his shoulder. He made it through a full-team practice today, so that’s always a good sign.

Still, is it enough of a sign that he can throw himself back into the action at the toughest time of the year? Here is what Williams and Kings coach Terry Murray told Hammond after that practice.

WILLIAMS: “It felt OK. The practice, there wasn’t much battling in it, but as the week goes on, and with that extra day, there will be a little bit more, a little more tense, more battle drills, and we’ll go from there. After that, we’ll need to have a talk with the coaching staff, the training staff and myself, and see where we stand and see what we want to do.”

Here’s what Terry Murray said when asked about the chance of Williams’ return…

MURRAY: “To be honest, I’m hoping… He’s out there participating in the full practice here today, and that’s because of his meeting with the doctor during our game against Anaheim on Saturday night. He’s basically (been) given the green light to get himself ready. Now it comes down to, how does he feel? He’s going to have to come to me and tell me that he’s ready to go. That’s going to be the bottom line. If that meeting happens after tomorrow’s practice, then I’m absolutely going to take a look at it and try to pencil him in somewhere.”


It sounds like the decision will be in Williams’ hands, so don’t be surprised if the talented but oft-injured winger chooses to go for it. His presence would certainly be appreciated being that the Kings are already without their top scorer, Anze Kopitar.

If the Kings are going to beat the red-hot San Jose Sharks, it’s likely they will do it by dumbing down the hockey by playing a defense-first (second and third) style. That being said, they still need to score some goals, so Williams would be a huge addition.

Unless he’s only going at half speed, of course.