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Kings defenseman Drew Doughty cleared to play, may play Thursday

Vancouver Canucks v Los Angeles Kings

Vancouver Canucks Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center on October 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Harry How

Things are pretty good at the moment for the Los Angeles Kings. They’ve got the top spot in the Western Conference just a month into the season and they’re playing solid hockey. Now everything is coming up roses as last year’s Norris Trophy candidate and the team’s top defenseman Drew Doughty is cleared to play and should suit up against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.

The Kings haven’t exactly been struggling without Doughty in the lineup, who’s been out with a concussion, as they’ve been getting outstanding play from goalie Jon Quick, forwards Anze Kopitar and Ryan Smyth and solid defensive work from Willie Mitchell. Getting Doughty back gives them their power play quarterback and all-around threat. Doughty has missed the last six Kings games and the team has gone 4-2-0 in that time with losses to the Coyotes and Blackhawks.