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Coyotes’ Michalek (lower-body) out indefinitely

Zbynek Michalek

Phoenix Coyotes’ Zbynek Michalek, of the Czech Republic, plays in his 600th career NHL hockey game during the first period against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

AP

From NHL.com:

The Phoenix Coyotes have lost defenseman Zbynek Michalek indefinitely with a lower-body injury he sustained in the game Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens.

According to the Coyotes, Michalek has left the team to see team medical staff for further evaluation.

Michalek has four assists in 24 games and a plus-10 rating that is tops among Phoenix defensemen.

In response to the above, Rostislav Klesla has been called up from AHL Portland as the Coyotes prepare to face the Maple Leafs tonight in Toronto.

It will be interesting to see how Phoenix fares without Michalek, a defensive defenseman who’s typically deployed against the opponent’s top players.

Here’s coach Dave Tippett addressing the media: